Shepherd's Bush off-licence bid refused over street drinking fears
Hammersmith and Fulham Council rejected plans for a new premises on Uxbridge Road due to existing anti-social behaviour concerns.
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Plans for a new off-licence at 114 Uxbridge Road in Shepherd's Bush have been rejected by Hammersmith and Fulham Council. The decision followed a significant number of objections from local residents and official bodies, who argued the new premises would worsen existing problems with street drinking and anti-social behaviour.
Concerns over existing issues
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The application, which sought permission for alcohol sales between 8am and 11pm daily, received 93 objections. PC Charlotte Bennett of the Met Police's licensing team stated that the area already experiences "significant issues associated with alcohol consumption, street drinking and anti-social behaviour." She described street drinking as a "persistent and highly visible problem" and expressed fears that another off-licence would contribute to it.
The Caxton Village Tenants and Residents Association (CVTRA) also objected, raising concerns about the concentration of licensed premises in the vicinity and the potential impact on residents' safety. Lucy Goodman, representing the CVTRA, highlighted that the effects of street drinking were "far from inconsequential" and could fundamentally alter how residents live and feel about their neighbourhood.
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During the licensing sub-committee meeting, the applicant's agent, Surendra Panchal, proposed reducing the requested opening hours to 9pm. However, council officers noted that the area remains saturated with off-licences even with this reduction. Responsible authorities reiterated that the core issue was the availability of alcohol, not solely the hours of operation.
Ms Goodman also pointed out the premises' location, directly opposite a pedestrian crossing, would make it easy for customers to purchase alcohol and then consume it on Shepherd's Bush Green. Councillors ultimately voted to refuse the application, agreeing that the proposed premises would add to existing problems in the area.
Questions this report answers
+Why was the new off-licence application refused?
The application was refused by Hammersmith and Fulham Council due to concerns that a new premises would worsen existing street drinking and anti-social behaviour issues in the area. These concerns were supported by 93 objections from residents and authorities.
+What were the main objections to the proposed off-licence?
Objections focused on the area already experiencing significant problems with alcohol consumption and street drinking. The Met Police and the Caxton Village Tenants and Residents Association highlighted the potential for increased anti-social behaviour and a negative impact on residents' safety.
+What did the applicant propose to address the concerns?
The applicant's agent proposed reducing the requested opening hours from 11pm to 9pm. However, council officers and responsible authorities felt this reduction was insufficient to mitigate the concerns about the area's saturation of licensed premises and existing anti-social behaviour.
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