St George shop in line for £20,000 revamp

A shop in St George, Bristol is set to reopen after a £20,000 revamp.

Karwan Mohammed has secured a licence for 156 Church Road despite concerns about the cumulative impact from shops selling alcohol.

His lawyer, Jeremy Woodcraft, told Bristol City Council’s licensing subcommittee selling drinks was “integral but not the overriding purpose” of the business and it would be a general store for locals rather than an off-licence.

He said Mr Mohammed plans to spend £20,000 renovating the shop to match the landlord’s investment in the flat above, and it needs to open until 11pm to compete with the nearby Tesco Metro store which shuts at 10pm.

Responding to the Church Road Action Group’s concerns, the applicant offered to open at 9am rather than 7am.

But Councillor Peter Abraham, a lifelong retailer, was concerned about the business missing out on trade, saying: “9am seems a bit late. I’m slightly uncomfortable about selling someone a bottle of gin at 9am, but not a loaf of bread.”

The committee granted a licence so it can serve alcohol from 7am until 11pm. The drinks will be limited to a two-metre area, with spirits behind the counter.

Cllr Abraham said to Mr Mohammed: “Good luck. I hope you’re successful.”