A Chelmsley Wood convenience shop has been granted permission to sell alcohol for extended hours despite objections from a public health official. The licence variation allows Haj News Ltd to sell alcohol during its existing opening hours, from 6.30am to 11pm daily, a significant change from its previous restricted hours.
Licence Variation Details
The previous licence permitted alcohol sales between 8am and 11pm Monday to Saturday, 10am to 10.30pm on Sundays, with specific hours for Good Friday and Christmas Day. The new licence aligns the shop with other local retailers.
Public Health Objection
Council officer Lucy Armstrong, commissioner for drugs and alcohol, argued the area already experiences high alcohol-related harm and vulnerability. She stated that extending morning availability could exacerbate crime, disorder, and safety risks in a ward with the highest levels of alcohol treatment need, anti-social behaviour, and domestic abuse.
Manager's Response
Manager Harjinder Jowala, who has run the shop for 35 years, provided 15 letters of support and a 154-signature petition. He emphasised that all customers are regulars and that no incidents have occurred during his tenure. Ward councillor Jane Lamden endorsed him, describing him as a pillar of the community.
Panel Decision
During the April 29 meeting at the Civic Suite, panel members questioned the evidence behind the health objection. Licensing manager Anne Bettison admitted that specific data linking the premises to alcohol problems likely does not exist. The panel concluded there was no evidence to support claims of increased alcohol-related issues attributable to the shop and granted the variation.
