An axe-throwing business in Caerphilly has objected to plans for a new convenience store to sell alcohol, warning that its customers could arrive impaired by drink.
Caerphilly County Borough Council's licensing committee heard the objection during a meeting about an application by RS United Groups to open a shop at 6-8 Pontygwindy Road, replacing a former tanning salon.
Objections from neighbours
Alex and Lela Georgijev, who run the nearby axe-throwing venue, told the committee that they must follow strict rules to ensure their customers are not impaired by alcohol before taking part.
"We are in no way against new business in Caerphilly – our concern is whether granting this alcohol licence at this particular location is appropriate, and whether the impact on neighbouring residents and businesses has been fully considered," said Mr Georgijev.
"We have to physically assess whether [our customers] are fit for axe-throwing," added Mrs Georgijev. "This is already a challenge – it may increase with that next door."
Applicant's response
Ian Rushton, representing the applicants, said his clients were experienced shopkeepers who wanted to sell "a wide range of goods" from the store, which they had acquired under a long-term lease. He said they were "clearly committed to the business, to the investment, and to the area".
The Georgijevs also alleged that applicant Santhosh Ashireddy had fallen short of some licensing rules at another premises in Cardiff. Mr Rushton defended his client's record, saying "any breaches of licence conditions were put right immediately".
Committee chairman Cllr Shane Williams noted that a customer could buy alcohol elsewhere and suggested someone would have to drink very quickly before entering the axe-throwing business.
Other concerns raised
Another resident, Paul Griffiths, raised concerns about parking and antisocial behaviour, telling the committee there were already problems locally linked to alcohol consumption.
"Why would you give another liquor licence to an area that already has that problem?" he asked.
Mr Rushton said the police would have assessed such matters when making their own representations. He added that concerns about children leaving bikes outside another local shop "with respect... have got nothing to do with selling a bottle of wine" at the application site.
"There are antisocial behaviour issues in all of our communities, but it's not something that can be blamed or attributed to a shop like this – which hasn't even opened," Mr Rushton said. "We recognise the concerns of residents. The applicants are family men – they want to run a good business. They understand the importance of being a good neighbour."
If approved, the proposed alcohol sales hours would be between 7am and 11pm daily. The committee retired to consider the evidence and will publish its decision within five working days.
