A soon-to-open 24-hour grocery store in Kendal has been told it can sell alcohol until midnight.
Members of the licensing sub-committee for Westmorland and Furness Council granted Mango and Malt on Wainwrights Yard permission to open all hours but the sale of alcohol is limited to between 7am and midnight.
The store initially wanted to sell alcohol 24 hours a day but following opposition from Cumbria police, the applicants revised the proposals and said they would limit alcohol sales to between 7am and 2am, at which point the constabulary dropped its objection.
However, the sub-committee decided to limit alcohol sales to midnight in response to concerns raised by residents in the apartment building above the store.
In a written representation one objector said the sale of alcohol 24 hours a day would lead to public nuisance in close proximity to residential properties.
A spokesman on behalf of the sub-committee said: “Although the sub-committee had seriously considered the concerns of the residents who had submitted written representations and made oral submissions.
“The sub-committee believe that the concerns raised did not justify the refusal of the application.
“The sub-committee attach weight to the fact the responsible authority Cumbria police subsequently withdrew its objection following the revision of the alcohol sale hours and the proposed conditions being agreed by the applicant.
“Members revised the alcohol sale hours of the premises in response to concerns raised by residents in the building. Members noted the late alcohol sale hours may indirectly interfere with their peace and enjoyment of their homes.”
Licensing documents submitted by the applicant stressed that alcohol was not the intended focus of the business.
On behalf of the applicants, Gill Sherratt, head of licensing at Napthens, told members of the sub-committee the store would be a food-led operation selling South Asian products and the sale of alcohol would be secondary to this.
The grocery store will sell all types of convenience products including fresh frozen food, toiletries, household items and newspapers.
Ms Sherratt said the applicants are part of the South Asian community in Kendal and had recognised the need for specific products in the town.
“It certainly will be a great asset for people who are having to travel or get other people to get these products for them. So, it is a wonderful idea and will be a asset for Kendal, the first of its kind.”, Ms Sherratt added.
The sub-committee granted the premises licence yesterday, March 17, at Kendal Town Hall.
