Town councillors in Burnham-On-Sea have this week recommended that a new food store opening soon in Burnham-On-Sea should not be allowed to sell alcohol until 3am.
Councillors debated the matter at their latest meeting on Monday (December 7th) after Burnham-On-Sea.com first reported last month that the soon-to-open convenience store in Abingdon Street intends to sell a wide range of goods, including alcohol late at night.
Zara Mini Market wants a licence to sell drink between 7am and midnight on Mondays to Thursdays, and until 3am at weekends.
Councillors expressed concerns that the late night drink sales could create anti-social behaviour problems in the area and want a 10pm licence instead.
Cllr John Morgan said: “I think the shop should have a similar arrangement to Morrisons and not sell alcohol beyond 10pm. There is a risk of this creating all manner of problems for local residents.”
Cllr Dennis Davey added: “3am does seem very excessive.”
And Cllr Ken Smout added: “I wonder who would buy alcohol at 7am in the morning from this store and whether there really is a need for this.”
Councillor voted in favour of a 10pm opening licence and will put forward their reasons in a statement to Sedgemoor District Council’s licensing panel, which will have the final say on whether it goes ahead.
Sedgemoor licensing officer Tony Baker confirmed to Burnham-On-Sea.com: “We have received several formal complaints regarding the application and a decision is likely to be made in the New Year.”com
