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CHINGFORD: Shop's 24-hour booze request refused
FEARS over youth crime prompted the council to refuse an Off Licence's request to sell alcohol round the clock.
Costcutter applied for its branch in Hatch Lane, Chingford, to be able to stay open 24-hours a day, but police were concerned that it would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.
Speaking at the Licensing Commitee meeting, PC Peter Westall, of the Hatch Lane Safer Neighbourhoods Team, said: "Youngsters will by hook or by crook manage to get their hands on alcohol.
"I know most of the bad lads in the area and the majority of youths that cause trouble in Hatch Lane are aged between 13 and 17.
"If the application is approved they will be able to get their hands on alcohol more easily."
His colleague PC Peter Neale called on the committee to reject the 24-hour proposal and extend Costcutter's opening hours by just one hour to midnight. Roy Light, an advocate for Costcutter, said: "We currently have 136 stores, 37 of which have been granted permission to sell alcohol 24 hours a day.
"The police have not produced any evidence to suggest there have been any incidents of anti-social behaviour and since the police are willing for the store to open an hour later, their argument is inconsistent."
Mr Light added that the council had not received any public representations rejecting the application.
The licensing committee refused the application but allowed it to open until midnight.
Cllr Laurie Braham, who represents Hatch Lane ward, said the council had failed to advertise the application properly.
Speaking after the meeting, he said: "I find it amazing the panel did not ask the applicant where the notices were placed. I only found out about it on Tuesday.
"My colleague Cllr Marion Fitzgerald didn't know about it until yesterday and she lives opposite Costcutter."
11:48am Friday 18th April 2008
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CommentPosted by: mr Khalid, walthamstow on 12:37pm Fri 18 Apr 08
IS NO GOOD THIS SELl the aclcool 24 hour day drugdrinking the pepol. no good for the helth of the parson meybe go hopital long times
IS NO GOOD THIS SELl the aclcool 24 hour day drugdrinking the pepol. no good for the helth of the parson meybe go hopital long times
Posted by: Paul Delaney, Hainault on 4:01pm Fri 18 Apr 08
God knows what the comment above means! But my views are this. This is another example of trying to catch the headlines rather than tackle the route causes of excessive drinking by teenagers. The majority of this country enjoy alcohol sensibly - either at a pub / club or in the comfort of our own home. That is our right. Why should we be penalised for that? They need to target the parents of the kids and try to work out why they drink. Many are depressed or have other issues - our system needs to work better to target there needs and work with them.
God knows what the comment above means! But my views are this. This is another example of trying to catch the headlines rather than tackle the route causes of excessive drinking by teenagers. The majority of this country enjoy alcohol sensibly - either at a pub / club or in the comfort of our own home. That is our right. Why should we be penalised for that? They need to target the parents of the kids and try to work out why they drink. Many are depressed or have other issues - our system needs to work better to target there needs and work with them.
Posted by: Joe Schmoo, elsewhere on 8:10pm Fri 18 Apr 08
another 2 bob, unregulated 24 hr off licence we dont need
good riddance
another 2 bob, unregulated 24 hr off licence we dont need
good riddance
Posted by: Mr Codgers, Snaresbrook on 10:49am Sat 19 Apr 08
The only people who want drink in the middle of the night are drunks, alcoholics, ferals, council workers and other vermin loitering around the street at night up to no good.
The only people who want drink in the middle of the night are drunks, alcoholics, ferals, council workers and other vermin loitering around the street at night up to no good.
Posted by: Feral Youth on 1:44pm Sat 19 Apr 08
It doesnt matter what they do, me and my fellow feral youths will continue to binge drink and cause havoc on the streets. Me and my fellow feral youths have been drinking since the age of 7, why stop now?
It doesnt matter what they do, me and my fellow feral youths will continue to binge drink and cause havoc on the streets. Me and my fellow feral youths have been drinking since the age of 7, why stop now?
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