1:47pm Friday 18th January 2013
By Craig Manning
SAINSBURY'S new store at Greasby will be allowed to sell alcohol seven days a week.
The company was granted a premises licence to sell alcohol at its yet to be built Local store in Greasby Road at a meeting of Wirral’s licensing sub-committee on Thursday afternoon.
It means Sainsbury can sell alcohol between 8am and 11pm on condition it is displayed more than five metres from the store's front entrance.
The 8am start time is one hour later than Sainsbury had originally applied for. The company revised the application following representations for local residents.
Campaigners had a chance to look at the store’s floor plan during the meeting and were happy their views had been taken into account before the licence was granted.
Addressing the committee, solicitor Robert Bodcai, representing Sainsbury, said: "There is obviously some feeling in Greasby from some residents not welcoming Sainsbury’s. We aim to demonstrate that we are good for Greasby.
"There is no evidence that an alcohol licence would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour in the town.
"There is no evidence to suggest people are going to buy more alcohol in Greasby simply because there is more available.
"If it does lead to an increase in crime and disorder, this licence would be reviewed."
Ward councillors Tony Cox and Wendy Clements have submitted a petition to the council’s licensing panel signed by 133 householders.
Councillor Clements told the Globe: "We had a chat with the area manager before the decision was granted and establishing that kind of contact has got to be positive for the people of Greasby."
Campaigner David Horton added: "It's a positive step forward, which shows that the views and concerns of people in the village have been listened to.
"This part of Greasby needs development and I’m happy that Sainbury’s and the licensing committee have taken our views into account before making the decision to award the license."
Campaigners lost their fight to prevent Sainsbury's building their store on the site of the Red Cat pub car park last October after a Government ruling overturned a decision by Wirral planners.
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