24-hour booze licence refused as police fear rise in rowdy drinkers
A SHOP owner's bid for a 24-hour alcohol licence was rejected after police said they feared it would lead to a rise in anti-social behaviour.
Intars Cervinskis wanted to be able to sell alcohol round the clock at the Amanda store in Osmaston Road, Derby.
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The Amanda convenience store and off-licence, which has been refused a 24-hour alcohol licence by the city council.
But he did not attend Derby City Council's general licensing sub-committee meeting at which the decision was made yesterday .
Police had objected on the grounds that it was an area known for gang activity and for anti-social behaviour.
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Sgt Mark Lomas, of the Derbyshire force's licensing team, said he was pleased it had been refused.
He said: "Under the circumstances, the correct decision was reached."
But Mr Cervinskis said he would try to appeal against the decision if possible.
He said: "I was confused about the hearing and wasn't sure I had to attend.
"Now I'm disappointed with the decision but I will see if I can appeal. No other authorities objected to it, only the police."
Sgt Lomas said that he was concerned because the store had only recently been issued with an alcohol licence and there were already four off-licences within a 250-metre radius of the shop.
He said that, between November 13 last year and November 14 this year, there had been 27 reported shoplifting incidents and 247 reports of anti-social behaviour in the area.
He said: "This is placing a significant burden upon the emergency services that have to respond to these incidents. Derby city has the fifth highest density of alcohol retail outlets in England.
"Derbyshire's rate of hospital admissions for alcohol-related harm is worse than the England average and the highest of all the shire counties in the Midlands.
"I believe a 24-hour licence would impact further upon the reported calls for service and crimes within the community that it will be serving – thereby having a detrimental effect on the daily lives of the community."
PC Paul Trussell, safer neighbourhood officer for Allenton and Boulton, said: "Allenton precinct at the present time is an area used by a lot of families.
"If a 24-hour licence were granted, then this would attract people out of the city centre to purchase alcohol and stay in the area drinking, causing a nuisance and problems for users of the precinct, also putting users off visiting the area."
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