MP Suella Braverman joins protests against opening of new off-licence in West Street, Fareham
An MP has added her voice to opposition to a proposed new off-licence
A bid for a new alcohol licence has sparked a wave of protest - and now opposition from an MP - over fears it could fuel anti-social behaviour.
As previously reported the application, submitted by The Wine Shop at 179 West Street in Fareham, has prompted objections from Trading Standards. Now Fareham MP Suella Braverman has also added her voice to the dissent.
The business has applied to sell alcohol from 8am to 11pm Sunday to Monday, and from 8am to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
It previously operated as Ari Cut, a traditional Kurdish barber shop.
The Reform UK MP for Fareham has launched a petition on her website urging Fareham Borough Council to reject the proposal when it goes before a committee next week.
Ms Braverman said: “Fareham town centre deserves better than a growing number of premises selling alcohol, tobacco and vapes. This should not go ahead. How about we restore some pride into our town instead?”
She said there is growing concern about the spread of shops linked to anti-social behaviour and illegal sales, and has written to the council to formally object to the application.
Trading Standards has also raised concerns and formally objected to the application.
Senior officer Martin Smith warned that granting the licence could lead to “crime and disorder” and pose a risk to children.
In a letter to the council, Mr Smith said: “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 also highlighted confusion over the business’s ownership, noting that two companies – TC Wickham Ltd and The Wine Shop Ltd- are registered at the address.
Mr Smith said this made it difficult to identify who is responsible for the business.
The application has been submitted under the name Georgia Bougiouka.
Mr Smith also said that 14 licensed alcohol premises already operate within 200 metres of the shop. He added: “We believe a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) should be carried out prior to consideration of granting any new alcohol licence in the area.”
Fareham Borough Council’s licensing panel is expected to make a decision on the application on Tuesday, November 17.
Ms Braverman added: “A strong show of local feeling will help make sure the panel understands how residents and traders see this.
“By signing the petition, you will be asking the council to refuse the application, carry out a CIA, take firm action against shops selling illicit tobacco and vapes, and against sales to children, and make sure there is clarity about who is legally responsible for any licensed premises.”