Bid for new retail store in Ipswich train station given go-ahead despite concerns over alcohol sales
Suffolk Police have asked for the Co-op to follow a number of conditions
A bid for a new shop in Ipswich’s train station has been given the official go-ahead despite concerns about anti-social behaviour.
The proposals, submitted by the East of England Co-operative Society Limited, were discussed by Ipswich’s licensing and regulatory sub-committee yesterday, for a new retail store in an empty unit at the station, in Burrell Road.
Despite the application stating the company was used to handling and mitigating anti-social behaviour and citing the proposals’ benefits, the bid proved controversial, with a 21-signature petition being lodged on the grounds of safety, litter and public disorder.
It read: “Introducing an establishment that serves alcohol could increase the risk of anti-social behaviour, potentially endangering passengers and staff, especially during peak hours.
“Alcohol consumption often leads to unruly behaviour, which could disrupt the peaceful environment of the station and compromise the safety and comfort of passengers.”
These fears were not raised by any residents today, however, despite the licensing officer confirming several attempts at contacting objectors were made.
"Very experienced operator"
Nevertheless, addressing these concerns, Ian Seely, the applicant’s solicitor, stressed the company was a ‘very experienced operator’ in mitigating these impacts and stated they were ‘completely speculative’.
Mr Seely also stressed the company was confident these fears would not materialise in the first place and invited any member of the public to complain and trigger a review of the premises if they were impacted in such a way.
Suffolk Constabulary asked for two conditions to be included with the plans, both of which were followed by the company.
These were the limiting of alcohol sales on Ipswich Town matchdays to four bottles or cans, or a single litre bottle, as well as a reminder to customers of the public spaces protection order in place in the town centre.
Prompted on how the company would deal with underage alcohol sales, particularly on self-service tills, Stuart McDonald, the chief property officer, confirmed the staff would employ a Challenge 25 policy and added self-checkout tills could also trigger an age challenge via face recognition.
Mr McDonald also confirmed no ‘super strength’ lagers and ciders would be sold on-site and that a security guard would also be on site on busier days and if any problems were reported.
It took committee members less than 10 minutes in private session to decide to approve the new premises, which also includes the sale of alcohol.
This means the new Co-op will be open between 6am and 11pm Monday to Saturday, and 7am- 10pm on a Sunday.