The Licensing Sub-Committee of Bromley Council granted a new premises licence for Stop N Go at 61 Eldred Drive, Orpington, BR5 4PE, allowing the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption between 7 am and 11 pm daily. This decision was made despite 33 objections from local residents concerned about potential increases in anti-social behaviour and the impact on the existing local convenience store.

New Premises Licence Granted for Stop N Go

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence to Stop N Go, located at 61 Eldred Drive, Orpington, BR5 4PE, for the off-premises sale of alcohol. The licence permits sales from 7 am to 11 pm every day.

The decision was made after considering representations from the applicant and numerous objectors. The applicant, represented by his agent, stated that the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) had decades of experience running licensed premises and was a local resident. They assured the committee that the application complied with the four licensing objectives, with plans for staff training, a CCTV system with 31-day recording, adequate staffing, a Challenge 25 policy, and spirits stored behind the counter. The Metropolitan Police had no objection, provided certain conditions were met.

However, 33 objections were received from local residents. Concerns were raised about a potential increase in anti-social behaviour, citing issues such as discarded beer bottles, laughing gas canisters, and groups gathering in the area. Objectors noted that the existing convenience store, Premier, had voluntarily reduced its closing time to 9 pm, which had reportedly helped to reduce anti-social behaviour. There was also a concern that the proposed 11 pm closing time would attract individuals intending to cause nuisance, and that the police lacked the resources to attend all incidents. A petition with over 300 signatures was presented as evidence of local concern.

In reaching its decision, the Sub-Committee considered the amended application, the written and oral representations, Bromley Council's Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026¹, and statutory guidance. The committee concluded that the licence could be granted with the conditions agreed with the police, as these were deemed adequate to address the licensing objectives. These conditions include the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, the operation of a Challenge 25 policy, staff training, and the maintenance of an incident and refusals register.

Members acknowledged the concerns regarding the 11 pm closing time but noted that as the business had not yet commenced trading, these concerns were speculative. They stated that if the later closing time did lead to unforeseen harm to the licensing objectives, the licence could be subject to a review process.

The decision to grant the licence was made by Councillor Tony Owen (Chairman), Councillor Robert Evans, and Councillor Melanie Stevens.