[MARCH 1999]
NO TO OFF-LICENCE
After a hearing lasting three days, Dillons'
application for a licence to sell alcohol at their new convenience store in Earlsdon
Street has been turned down by Coventry licensing justices.
The controversial application had attracted strong local
opposition, with a petition signed by over 1,000 people in a matter of a few weeks. The
objectors pointed out that there is no need for a further off-licence in the area, that
another outlet selling alcohol would encourage trouble from under-age drinkers and other
youths who tend to congregate in the area, particularly at night and parking problems
would be worsened by deliveries etc.
The objectors listed 27 licensed premises in Earlsdon,
including 5 off-licences and the Co-op. In the Earlsdon Street area alone there are three
retail outlets selling alcohol and they have experienced serious problems with youths,
which were only bought under control after an intensive police intervention - Operation
Pablo - last September.
Off-licence managers feared a return of the disruption and
threats to staff if the application was approved. They were concerned that inexperienced
staff at Dillons would be more likely to sell alcohol to underage drinkers and less able
to deal with trouble. Unusually, the application was also opposed by the police, who saw
no need for another off-licence and were concerned about law and order and parking.
In court Dillons representatives argued that they would put
extra security and safety measures into place and suggested that chain store staff were
less likely to sell to under-age drinkers than corner shop businesses. This incensed local
off-licence owners, who pointed out that they would be risking both their livelihood and
home by acting irresponsibly and insisted on an apology.
In answer to questions, Dillons admitted that they were relying on an off-licence to
make the shop profitable, expecting some 9% of their sales to be alcohol, compared with
70% from the newsagents side and 21% from grocery sales. Since opening Dillons had
collected a petition in support of their application signed by 200 customers.
Opposition to Dillons' application has been led by Robert Saulitis and Karen Williams
of Alexander Wines in Providence Street and Sue Gillies, manager of Threshers in Earlsdon
Street.
 Karen told ECHO:
"We are happy that the licensing magistrates took our concerns into consideration
by not granting a licence to Dillons."
 Sue Gillies, who acted as main spokesperson for the
objectors, said:
"I'm pleased that the licence application has been
refused. It means that the problems we have had can continue to be contained with the
experienced staff we have and with the help of the local police."
Following the magistrates' decision, ECHO tried to contact
Dillons for a statement, without success. They have 21 days to appeal against the decision
and have indicated that they will do so.
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