Stratford store refused licence after police objections

Luke Jacobs Sunday, June 24, 2012
5:13 PM

A convenience store proposed for Stratford has been refused a premises licence following police fears over street drinkers and its proximity to a secondary school.

Chiefs at Nisa Local, planned for West Ham Lane, had argued against recommendations that it only sell low-strength alcohol and single cans of beer, lager or cider.

Newham Council’s licensing sub-committee said it was concerned by the effect this could have on levels of antisocial behaviour.

The refusal came despite applicant Sifatullah Hiyat’s promise that six members of staff, all subject to company training, would be at the store at all times.

He also said they would be assisted by 20 CCTV cameras.

But in her objections submitted to the committee, Newham Det Con Karen Harlow said officers would require “robust conditions” to be in place before any licence was granted.

She said: “Unfortunately this area of Stratford has its issues with street drinkers and anti-social behaviour. The proposed site is located opposite a recreational ground that is frequently used by children and local youths and within a two to three-minute walk from Rokeby School.

“It is also a short distance from the Focus building, which is a housing project for youths.”

Mr Hiyat’s original application was for a licence to supply alcohol from 8am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sundays.

Promotions

The CCTV cameras are equipped with facial image recognition, he said, and footage would be retained for up to 40 days to show to police on request.

Police had recommended that drink sold should be at a strength of no higher than 5.5 per cent and no spirits should be sold in quantities of less than 70cl.

Mr Hiyat pointed out that Nisa, the company in charge of the proposed store, organised promotions that involved higher strength alcohol.

He told the committee that the conditions were likely to damage his business.