Trading Standards oppose Wine Shop licence in Fareham over anti-social behaviour and illegal sales fears

Trading Standards has objected to an alcohol store being established over fears of criminality and harm.

Senior officer Mr Smith issued a letter to Fareham Borough Council regarding the opening of The Wine Shop at 179 West Street. The establishment has applied for a license to sell booze between 8am and 11pm Sunday to Monday, as well as between 8am and midnight on Friday and Saturday.

Mr Smith said the business risks causing crime and disorder, and puts children at risk of serious harm. “We believe it is unlikely that local businesses and residents would welcome the increased accessibility of alcohol in the area due to the growing concerns of antisocial issues already within the area,” he said.

Trading Standards said there are “serious concerns” of anti-social behaviour in West Street, with dispersal orders being issued in the area in 2023 after youths targeted businesses. Problems regarding the sale of illicit goods were also raised.

“We also have significant concerns with the supply of illicit tobacco and vapes, as well as cases of underage sales and the safeguarding of young persons associated with such issues,” Mr Smith said.

Further issues were identified on Companies House, Mr Smith added. The officer said two companies are registered to the address, TC Wickham Ltd and The Wine Shop Ltd, making it hard to determine who is in charge of the business.

“As there is no mention of these limited companies on the application, we are unclear about who is actually/legally responsible for the operation of the business,” he added.

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The objection letter said there are concerns over connections to individuals linked to the supply of illicit tobacco products, alongside fears of underage sales of booze and vapes to children.

Mr Smith said a Cumulative Impact Assessment should be carried out prior to any license being granted, as there are 14 licensed alcohol premises within a 200 metre radius of 179 Wes Street. Mr Smith believes the accumulation of such businesses will contribute to anti-social behaviour and general crimality.

Final decisions will be made at a licensing panel on November 17. Details of the application can be found on the Fareham Borough Council website.