Shop releases attack images in bid to block new store's alcohol licence

A shopkeeper released images of his staff being attacked in a bid to convince city licensing bosses not to approve an alcohol licence for another store.

The Spar chain is planning to open a 24-hour unit in a former Holland & Barrett outlet in Whitechapel in Liverpool.

But other stores nearby warned that allowing the shop to sell alcohol would increase trouble and undermine public safety.

Liverpool City Council's licensing committee is expected to make a decision later this month.

In a written objection to the proposed licence, one shop owner said: "Most seriously, one intoxicated person entered the staff only area behind my counter and violently assaulted a member of staff. I have retained CCTV footage of this incident and other examples of antisocial behaviour.

"The safety concerns are such that I deliberately chose not to apply for an alcohol licence for my own business despite the commercial benefit.

"I believe another premises selling alcohol throughout the day and night would significantly increase the risks to staff, customers and the public."

The licensing hearing papers show that Merseyside Police has requested all the store alcohol displays will only be accessible to the public under staff supervision between 22:00 GMT and 05:00.

Spar is said to have agreed to this.

Another objector wrote that round-the-clock alcohol sales "will cause a lot of issues with it being in the centre of Liverpool and a great tourist populated area".

They added: "Once customers have been refused in mine and surrounding bars and restaurants they will go into this off-licence to buy more and drink on streets or in outside premises without authority and will cause a lot more issues for police and bad rep to the city."

Merseyside Police has also had agreement from Spar that it will carry out a risk assessment as to the need for door staff on the shop.

The licensing committee is to make a decision on 24 August.

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