Residents object booze store saying the area '˜already has drinking problem'

Residents in Woodhouse have hit-out at plans to open a shop called Bargain Booze, saying the area 'already has a drinking problem.'
Residents say alcohol is already too much of a problem in the areaResidents say alcohol is already too much of a problem in the area
Residents say alcohol is already too much of a problem in the area

Five residents wrote in to Sheffield City Council to object to plans to give the store, on Cross Street, a premises license.

A petition against the proposals was also submitted.

The plans were submitted by Nadeem Ur Rehman, owner of Bargain Booze and a number of other previous shops, who proposed opening the shop from 8am until 11pm seven days a week. 

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In his plans he explained the measures he would take to ensure he met the licensing requirements including ensuring no alcohol is sold to underage children, no unlawful activity occurs and no customer activity causes nuisance to neighbours. 

He also said alcohol will only make up 10 per cent of total stock.

But some residents were still concerned

Claire Pierce, Woodhouse resident, said: 'The area has got a problem with street drinkers which the police are trying to control, there is also a hostel area for alcohol and drug dependency and I don't think another alcohol outlet is what the village needs.'

Another resident, Mandy Littlewood, said they also raised concerns with the local police.

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She said: 'Seeing as Woodhouse already has an ongoing problem with alcohol abuse, I feel this would only add to it. 

'Police must be really fed up of having to deal with alcohol related incidents because of licenses being granted out without careful consideration of the local people who have to live amongst it.'

Labour Councillor Jackie Satur, Woodhouse ward, said there was a DPPO, Designated Public Place Oder, put in place due to drinking problems in the area, making it illegal to drink alcohol in the street.

She said: 'We do have a problem with alcohol in the area but the DPPO seems to be working quite well. I have spoken at length with the owner and he's quite willing to discourage nuisance in the shop.

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'I don't think by opening this shop it will add further to current issues. I don't see a problem with opening the shop '“ if we said no to him, we'd have to say no to everyone.'

The council's licensing committee will make the decision at a council licensing meeting at 10am on Tuesday, October 9.Â