LONDIS

Dear Editor,

The plan for a Londis supermarket in Evington is not well thought out because the applicant says the shop will not be profitable unless alcohol is sold. The overwhelming view of the people who attended the two meetings at the Village Hall is that we already have too many alcohol outlets in a small village that is on the daily route of vulnerable young people from three local schools and a youth club. We know from experience elsewhere that whatever precautions are taken the youngsters will find ways of overcoming them. Having another outlet will only add to the temptation unless the prices are very high.

The applicant, Mr Aggarwal, says he wishes to 'engage with the local community'. The community does not believe he will be doing it any favours by selling alcohol all day. His argument that almost every shop will be selling alcohol and that all the small petrol forecourts are now applying for licences is really worrying. The council should oppose these too. People are very concerned about increasing alcoholism which is one of the major problems of our time.

If the council is unable to refuse the licence application, then the following gestures that were promised by the applicant at a meeting should be included as conditions.

1. Opening hours are reduced from 6am to 11 pm to 6 am to 9pm. 9am to 9pm would be preferable to reduce access by children on the way to school.
2. A large additional litterbin be provided outside the shop to complement the Council one.
3. Proof of identity and age be provided by anyone who looks under 25 and requires alcohol.
4. That he co-operates with the police with regard to any nuisance behaviour caused by alcohol.
5. That a CCTV camera be installed outside his shop.
6. That Alco-pops or other alcoholic drinks that are particularly appealing to under age drinkers are not sold.
7. Alcohol is not advertised in the shop window.

The residents would obviously like to see the hours for which alcohol is available reduced.

Name and address supplied



Dear Editor.

Many residents were pleased to have the opportunity to discuss their concerns about the sale of alcohol in Evington Village and to be able to meet the new owner of the Londis shop (planned for 38/40 Main Street) and to question him about his intentions.

Thank you Evington Echo for organising this. I think the new shop will be of benefit to Evington village. We need responsible shop keepers.

Name and address supplied.

Editorial note: Mr. Aggarwal has agreed to the points listed in the above letter verbally and the licence meeting passed his application to sell alcohol, but changed his hours of opening from 6am to 9pm and made conditions about advertising and good alcohol management.