New Queens Road shop given permission to sell alcohol

SSS Food and Drinks in Watford had been seeking permission for a premises licence but faced a battle from locals.

Moving into the former Mood Café in Queens Road, applicant Sheetal Mohammed initially wanted to be able to sell alcohol 24/7 in-store and online.

This was met with opposition from at least 30 people who were concerned this would “fuel alcohol-related violence” as well as noise and antisocial behaviour.

Read more: Neighbours fear new off-licence will attract antisocial behaviour

The site was formerly Mood Café. Image: Google Street View (Image: Google Street View)

The police were not opposing the application because it had since reached an agreement with the applicant that alcohol would only be sold over the counter and online between the hours of 8am and 11pm - and no public access to the shop site outside of these hours.

CCTV and restrictions on the quantity and strength of alcohol sold were also among a list of conditions the applicant would need to meet.

At a meeting at Watford Borough Council on October 6, the sub-licensing committee heard arguments from residents and the applicant, before reaching a decision on whether to award a licence.

Four people were present to explain why they felt a licence should not be granted – even under the new hours – while the applicant and its representative, Surendra Panchal, spoke about how the business would meet the necessary licensing objectives.

The council's sub-licensing committee met on October 6 to discuss the application. Image: Watford Borough Council (Image: Watford Borough Council)

Read more: Queens Road revamp work starts in Watford town centre

After listening to both sides, the committee has decided to award a licence – but on the condition alcohol sales are restricted to the hours of 8am and 10.30pm.

This was in acknowledgment of residents’ concerns that the Queens Road area “suffers greatly” from antisocial behaviour and street drinkers.

The committee felt amending the hours to 10.30pm would “address the concerns” of residents and ensure licensing objectives would not be “undermined”.

The applicant agreed to the amendment to hours.

When making its decision, the committee has to consider whether granting a licence threatens the licensing objectives of prevention of crime and disorder, the prevention of public nuisance, public safety and protection of children from harm.

Have you got a story for us? You can contact us here.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram to keep up with all the latest news.

To receive breaking news alerts or newsletters sign up here.

Check out our Watford crime and court Facebook page here.