Staunch opposition against Barry C-store’s alcohol licence

A proposal to sell alcohol until midnight at a residential street shop in Barry in Wales is being met with staunch opposition. 

According to local reports, 3S Convenience Stores, which will replace the former electrical store known as Switch ‘n’ Socket on Evelyn Street in Barry, is looking to obtain a premises license which will allow it to sell alcohol from 6am to midnight seven days a week. 

However, residents and a local councilor have expressed their concern over the potential impact that selling alcohol during these hours could have on the area since the shop is in a residential area.

Wales’ Vale of Glamorgan Council ward member for Buttrills, Ian Johnson, said: “I have contacted the Vale’s Planning Department and there are no planning rules to prevent the change of use from being a shop with normal hours, like Switch ’n’ Socket, to a convenience store which can open later into the evening. 

“However, the proposals for a midnight license are unsuitable and anti-social hours for a shop in a residential area. The store will be quite large and there is the potential for increased noise and visits to this side-street. If it is to have an alcohol license, then it should better reflect the fact that this is a residential side street, not until midnight.” 

South Wales Police also raised concerns about the licensing application and have proposed that the opening hours be changed to 7am to 11pm. Police have also proposed for the sale of alcohol to be restricted to the hours of 9am to 10.30pm every day of the week. 

Some of the conditions proposed by police  also include the installation of a CCTV system, the implementation of a challenge 25 policy and the use of a staff training scheme for all staff authorised to sell alcohol.

Police said that if their conditions are agreed to, they will automatically withdraw their request for a hearing before the council’s licensing committee.