Second Liverpool best-one store faces alcohol review

A second Liverpool food convenience store could face restrictions on alcohol sales after concerns were raised about crime and disorder.

Weeks after a review was launched into a supermarket on London Road, Liverpool Council is to undertake a further study into the suitability of best-one on Moss Way, Croxteth. A public listing made available by the local authority confirmed the supermarket is being reviewed in relation to the prevention of crime and disorder.

It is the second best-one supermarket to be under the council’s licensing department microscope after Freshways (best-one) became the subject of a review last month.

The prevention of crime and disorder is one of four licensing objectives any premises must adhere to if it wishes to trade alcohol across Liverpool. Currently the store is able to open and sell alcohol for consumption off the premises from 7am to 11pm daily.

The licence is held by private company Pranavi Ltd and was granted just three months ago. Under the Licensing Act 2003, under which all applications are granted by Liverpool Council, reviews of licences awarded regarding prevention of crime and disorder can be instigated if Merseyside Police do not believe the terms are being adhered to.

The city council’s public protection unit investigates licensed premises causing a public nuisance due to loud recorded or live music. Representations can be made in relation to the London Road premises until May 7 and May 31 for best-one.

According to the notification issued online by the city council, it is an offence knowingly or recklessly to make a false statement in connection with an application. Such an offence carries a hefty fine if found guilty.

A person is liable to an unlimited fine on conviction should such a false statement be made. Under the terms of its current licence, Freshways must ensure a designated premises supervisor is present for the sale of alcohol.

In order to consider the cases against Freshways and best-one, the Liverpool licensing authority will call a premises licence review meeting to which all the complainants will be invited. At those meetings, at a date to be confirmed, the case will be discussed and the committee can decide to revoke part or all of the licence based on the evidence put forward.

All decisions can be appealed in the Magistrates’ Court. Earlier this year, a takeaway just doors down from best-one was slapped with a zero out of five hygiene rating by Liverpool Council’s environmental health team. Serious concerns were raised about Oriental Super Bar, which held a five out of five rating back in 2015, leading to the business being told urgent improvements are required.

The LDRS contacted best-one for comment.