Police object to liquor license for new B&M store in Gillingham High Street

A bargain-priced late-night retailer selling booze from its new store has faced opposition amid fears it could lead to a spike in alcohol-related crime.

B&M has applied to Medway Council to sell alcohol from the unit formerly occupied by Wilko on Gillingham High Street.

He has applied for a premises licence, which is due to be reviewed by the licensing board on November 5 before the store officially opens on November 16.

However, the application concerned both the police and Medway’s health director because the shop was seeking permission to sell alcohol between 7am and 11pm, seven days a week.

Both say the new store is in an area where alcohol-related crime is already a problem, and they think it will only get worse.

However, the retailer has responded to the claims, saying staff will be trained to refuse to sell alcohol to people who appear drunk and there will be regular checks at store entrances.

Acting director of public health Professor David Whiting says the High Street and surrounding areas already have a high number of off-licences and problems with alcohol-related crime, including domestic violence and violation of public order.

It also falls within an Alcohol Control Zone (ACZ) with a Public Space Protection Order (PSPO) in place to try to tackle such crime.

Professor Whiting’s report said the council did not believe B&M had taken this local context into account, nor had it shown how it intended to ensure that the sale of alcohol did not exacerbate these problems.

In fact, he says the public health team believes that if the new shop sells alcohol, it will contribute to an increase in alcohol-related crime, disorder and disorder, and is asking the licensing board to reject the application.

Kent Police said in a statement that the store would increase problems of street drinking and anti-social behaviour, as well as violent assaults, sexual assault and offences, harassment and public urination on the High Street if approved.

He is also asking the licensing panel to reject the application.

In B&M’s statement, Keystone Law’s Niall McCann said the retailer is a national brand and has protocols and hardware in place to ensure its stores are operating properly.

He adds that the store will have CCTV throughout the store and B&M will contact the police about any problems that may arise.

In addition, he says staff will be trained how to refuse to sell alcohol to intoxicated people and there will be regular checks before entering the store to prevent inactivity.

Mr McCann also says the store’s alcohol offering is relatively small, making up just 10% of the retail space.

He also says B&M will agree to limit beer, lager and cider in-store to 5.5%, not sell individual cans and keep spirits behind counters rather than on shelves.

Mr McCann was contacted to ask if the planning committee’s refusal could affect B&M’s November 16 opening date.

The application will be considered by Medway Council’s licensing committee on November 5, where councilors will make a final decision.