A Savers store in Bournemouth town centre has been granted permission to sell alcohol, despite concerns over a rise in anti-social behaviour in the area. The retailer submitted an application for a premises licence to sell alcohol at its outlet on Old Christchurch Road, Bournemouth, between 7am and 8pm Monday to Saturday, and from 9am to 5pm on Sundays.
Licence Application and Committee Decision
During a meeting on August 5, committee members heard that Savers has been selling alcohol across its stores since 2012 and already holds licences at approximately 320 locations throughout the UK. The company was keen to emphasise that it is not a specialist alcohol retailer, with sales of alcoholic products accounting for approximately one per cent of its overall turnover.
To allay concerns surrounding crime, disorder and public nuisance, the company outlined a series of measures it intends to implement to maintain control of the situation. These include staff training, CCTV installation, the deployment of a security guard at the entrance, alcohol displays positioned in view and close to the tills, and participation in the Bournemouth Shop Watch Radio Scheme.
Safety Measures and Conditions
A decision notice published on August 19 confirmed that the committee carefully considered all representations but concluded that Savers has "significant experience of operating licensed premises". The store will operate under strict safety measures, including the security guard presence and CCTV monitoring, to address concerns about potential anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol sales.
The Bournemouth Shop Watch Radio Scheme, which the store will join, is a local initiative that connects businesses to share information about crime and suspicious activity in the area. This measure is intended to help the store respond quickly to any issues that may arise.
Impact on the Local Area
The decision comes amid ongoing concerns about anti-social behaviour in Bournemouth town centre, particularly around Old Christchurch Road. Local residents and businesses had raised worries that selling alcohol could exacerbate existing problems. However, the committee determined that the measures proposed by Savers were sufficient to mitigate these risks.
The store's alcohol sales will be limited to the hours specified in the licence, with no off-sales permitted outside those times. The company's experience in operating licensed premises across the UK was a key factor in the committee's decision.
