Hillingdon (Parliament Politics Magazine) – A new Spar convenience store is set to open in Harefield after Hillingdon Council’s Licensing Sub-committee approved its application for a licence to sell alcohol.
The decision paves the way for the store’s launch.
This is valid even though the store selling alcohol caused concerns from surrounding businesses about the possibility of violence and disturbance.
The store will be situated in Harefield at 6-10 High Street in Hillingdon. It will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. It will also be possible to buy alcohol during these hours.
Businesses in the area had two objections. Harleen Kaur raised one on behalf of Harefield Wine.
She told the committee:
“On weekends people are badly drunk and can create a scene… we don’t usually sell alcohol to people who are badly drunk, what is the guarantee they [Spar] won’t.”
She added:
“There are lots of crimes going on as people get drunk, or try to steal. It’s very hard over there. If they are opening another shop for alcohol that will create more nuisance.”
The applicant’s lawyer, Charles Merritt, noted that all licensed establishments are required to abide by rules that forbid selling alcohol to intoxicated individuals. Furthermore, neither the local police nor the council officers objected to the application.
Councillor Kelly Martin did, however, bring up concerns regarding the property’s design and criminal risk.
He said:
“In the original plan, by the first door was a beer counter. One of the objections is the antisocial element of people stealing alcohol in the area. With the counter being so far from the entrance and exit, how do you manage the flow in and out?”
Cllr Martin was persuaded by the applicant that as there will always be three employees on duty, any antisocial behavior could be controlled. H&H News & Wine Ltd. will run the new store.
At the moment, the company runs two further convenience stores in St. Albans and Rickmansworth.
What are the community expectations for the new spar store?
Locals anticipate that the store will offer easy ways to shop as well as a variety of goods and services that address their requirements.
Spar is renowned for its dedication to helping out the community. The store may be expected by the community to support local charities, interact with local suppliers, and take part in local activities.
Jobs are usually created when a new store opens, both during construction and throughout continuing operations. Local residents may benefit from these options, as the community may expect.
The neighborhood probably anticipates a warm and customized shopping experience because of Spar’s emphasis on providing excellent customer service and fostering a welcome atmosphere.
Since Spar places an emphasis on “The Joy of Living Locally,” the area may anticipate that the store will play a significant role in local affairs by organizing events or lending support to neighborhood-benefitting projects.