APPLICATION FOR A NEW ALCOHOL LICENCE FOR A LONDIS store FOR 38-40 MAIN STREET

Two meetings were organised by the Evington Echo concerning an alcohol license for a new Londis store.

At the first meeting Rachel Hall from the licensing department explained the four objectives that would be looked at, these included: public safety, crime and disorder, public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

The majority of the audience said that they did not want Evington to have a new venue for selling alcohol and particularly for such long hours. Some concerns included “young people hanging around the area and the fear of encouraging anti-social behaviour.” It was suggested that there was a big improvement in young people's behaviour in the Village once another shop in the same block that was selling alcohol had closed.

The second meeting was dedicated to the shop owner Mr. Raj Aggarwal addressing the concerns of the residents. He was supported by Mr John Miller, the regional director of Londis.

Mr Aggarwal owns two other Londis stores in Glenfield and Wigston. The Wigston branch operates an 'Under 25 policy' where official ID is asked for. The shop works with the local authority to resolve problems caused by underage drinking. Mr. Aggarwal assured the audience that he would not sell alcohol to anyone who looked under 25 years of age without proof of identity.

Londis is a convenience store and it is hoped to offer a bakery and cash machine and become a “one stop solution”. Mr Miller stressed that Londis were not a corporate business and were family owned.

Gurjeet Kaur

Editor's Note: The licence agreement has gone through but with the reduced times of 6am to 9pm. Other conditions imposed are concerned with safeguards for stopping under-age drinking and about advertising in the shop window.