Controversial Chester Street Alcohol Licence – The Decision

A controversial application for an alcohol licence on Wrexham’s Chester Street has been rejected this afternoon.

The proposed licence would have seen the property at 62 Chester Street permitted to sell alcohol between 8am and 11pm.

However, it was met by fierce opposition from local traders and North Wales Police who complained that there were already too many off licences in the area which are causing alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour.

The proposed premises lies just yards from a pre-existing off licence, the Euro Delikatesy, on the High Street.

Wrexham Council’s licensing sub-committee heard concerns from North Wales Police regarding the applicant’s relationship with the premises licence holder at Euro Delikatesy.

Sergeant Andy Jones said that the applicant, Aleksandra Marta Kotusiewiecz, was employed and is also in a personal relationship with the premises licence holder at the Euro Delikatesy.

In a letter to Wrexham Council, Ann William, North Wales Police’s eastern licensing officer said: “This in itself gives cause for concern to North Wales Police as the premise has been subject of poor management, resulting in Level 2 of the North Wales Police Licensed Premises Review Procedure and a recent alcohol underage test purchase failure on 6th June 2012.”

“It is believed that 62 Chester Street, Wrexham may operate in a similar manner, offering strong, discounted alcohol to its customers, resulting in an increase of incidents of crime and disorder in the vicinity. This in turn will have a detrimental effect on neighbouring businesses and pose a drain on police resources.”

Sgt Jones went on to say: “Aggressive begging is prevalent within Wrexham town centre. In 2011 we had to introduce a dispersal order due to alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour.

“This is sometimes caused by not only underage sales, but also proxy sales by people who pass alcohol on to under age drinkers. We’re concerned that this will continue if the licence is granted.”

A solicitor representing the applicant countered by saying that she had no managerial responsibility at Euro Delikatesy and was not responsible for the underage test purchase either.

He added that the primary use of the premises on Chester Street would be as a delicatessen targeted at families with children doing their weekly shop. He stated that any alcohol sold would be “high end” and not “Special Brew or alcopops”.

He continued to say that alcohol issues in Wrexham town centre highlighted wider social issues rather than any potential problems with the shop.

Kim Sheridan from Just Tea and Coffee told the committee that she is constantly plagued by problems caused by people buying alcohol from off licences in the area.

She said: “I’ve got a High Street business which is constantly affected by alcohol and anti social begging. It has a detrimental effect on my business as I’ve had customers come in saying they won’t be coming here again because of all this.”

A report  by the Wrexham Council’s Head of Housing and Public Protection Alison Watkin also included objections from other town centre traders, Grosvenor Cllr Steve Wilson, Rhosddu Community Council and local residents.

After considering a report the sub committee ultimately decided to reject the application.

Chair of the committee Cllr Alan Edwards said: “We have decided to refuse the application. We are concerned that it would increase instances of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour in the area.”

On Tuesday members of Wrexham Council’s executive board will consider whether to adopt a Cumulative Impact policy to control the number of licenses issued for defined areas within the town centre.