Councillors in Caerphilly have unanimously approved a licence for a new shop to sell alcohol, despite objections from a neighbouring axe-throwing business. The decision allows RS United Groups to sell alcohol at 6-8 Pontygwindy Road, next to the existing Axcalibur axe-throwing venue, from 7am to 11pm daily.
Applicant's case and investment
At a meeting of Caerphilly County Borough Council's licensing committee, the applicants were described as "good family men" who "understand the importance of being a good neighbour". Ian Rushton, representing the applicants, said they had invested heavily in the former tanning salon premises and planned to sell "a wide range" of goods, rather than focusing on alcohol.
Objections from axe-throwing venue and resident
Alex and Lela Georgijev, owners of Axcalibur, raised concerns about the proposal, noting their business must follow strict rules to ensure customers are not impaired by drink. "We have to physically assess whether [our customers] are fit for axe-throwing," said Mrs Georgijev. "This is already a challenge – it may increase with that next door."
The Georgijevs also alleged that one of the applicants, Santhosh Ashireddy, had failed to meet some licence conditions attached to another premises in Cardiff. Mr Rushton responded that "any breaches of licence conditions were put right immediately" in relation to that separate business.
Another local resident, Paul Griffiths, complained about parking, antisocial behaviour and other issues he said were linked to shops and alcohol consumption in the area. Mr Rushton said the police would have assessed those matters, and added that some of the resident's complaints had nothing to do with the new licence application.
Decision and next steps
Committee members voted unanimously in favour of granting the premises licence, allowing for the sale of alcohol at the new store from 7am to 11pm daily.
