New Kington shop granted 24-hour alcohol licence after objections

The former Nisa local has been a Morrisons Daily since September

A new shop has been given an all-night alcohol licence despite objections raised by some residents.

The plan for Morrisons Daily in Kington's High Street, Herefordshire, was passed to a licensing sub-committee because of the strength of opposition.

Ali Allen, who organised the petition which attracted 77 signatures, said the 24-hour licence was "unnecessary and potentially damaging to the town".

However, the applicant's solicitor said its other shops had not led to issues.

Robert Botkai told the Herefordshire Council sub-committee his client Samy Limited had about 50 other stores operating under different badges in mostly residential areas and "many, if not most" held 24-hour licences.

He said none had been subject to subsequent review.

"It tends to be residents, not officers, who oppose these," he said. "Their concerns have not materialised."

He added the Kington shop "has already been open 24 hours [a day] since September without issue".

"This move won't have any impact on the specialness of the town."

Opponents had included the town council, with councillor Martin Woolford telling Monday's meeting it "objects quite strongly", adding "24-hour purchase will exasperate local misuse, crime and disorder".

"The public nuisance will be quite considerable," he said.

Ms Ali, a shopkeeper and B&B owner, said she had put together the petition opposing the licence "pretty quickly".

"It's incredibly disruptive to have drunk people outside my premises, the sound exacerbated by the narrow street," she said.

Announcing the granting of the licence, committee chair Polly Andrews said it recognised concerns raised by the public but that people could contact the licensing department "with any evidence-based concerns".

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