The licence of Europa Delikatesy, the Polish supermarket on Ribbleton Lane, has been suspended with extra conditions added, following a licensing hearing with Preston City Council’s licensing committee.
AdvertisementThe off-licence was called into review after police submitted an application to the committee following a series of complaints including litter, defacement of the premises, and intoxication of customers.
The meeting on Wednesday 3 August, lasting nearly six hours, saw councillors take into account representations given by the licence holder, local business owners, environmental health teams, Trading Standards and the police.
Related: Future of Polish supermarket hangs in the balance after licensing hearing
Police urged the panel for a full revocation of the licence, describing how problems in the area have only arisen since the opening of the shop.
PC Adam Kelsall, community beat manager in St Matthew’s ward for over 5 years, said: “Prior to Europa gaining their licence in 2014, there have been no complaints by the public.
“Now there is complaints on litter, empty alcohol containers, urination in doorways, defecation, business owners being threatened with violence, congregations of people drinking.
“Our concerns for the licence being kept would be that the situation would slip back to how they were before and would Europa’s management be capable in that situation?”
Licensing sergeant Tony Bushell suggested other possible actions that could be took such as suspending the licence or adding conditions, but described a full revocation as “the only one that’s appropriate”.
The licence holder, Mr Mohammad, claimed he would try and resolve the issues if the licence was reclaimed.
He said: “I would clean and search all around the area every night, even if people are not buying from my shop.
“For parking issues, I would put a clamp on the wall and have spoken to the landlord already about doing this.
“And I would give warnings to groups who are hanging around, and then report to the police.”
The councillors deliberated on Friday (5 August) and released their final decision on Monday 8 August.
A suspension of the licence for six weeks was delivered, with extra conditions added on its return including a reduction in opening hours.
What do you think about the decision of the licence? Is a six-week-suspension enough? Let us know in the comments below