Licence granted for mini supermarket on Preston pub car park

Town Hall bosses considered an application for a premises licence for a Sainsbury’s Local, which could open in the car park of the Guild Merchant in Tag Lane, Ingol, if plans are approved.

Objections had been raised by residents, with two letters received by the council highlighting concerns, along with 96 copies of a standard letter.

But Preston Council’s licensing committee granted the premises licence, with conditions attached.

The licence allows the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises from 7am to 11pm every day, which is when Sainsbury’s bosses say the shop will be open.

Coun Brian Rollo, who chaired the meeting on Wednesday, said letters of objection had been read out by licensing manager Mike Thorpe, as objectors were not present.

He said: “We made a decision on that basis.

“The main issue we were talking about was anti social behaviour, but there’s no evidence there will be any.

“And if there is any anti social behaviour, it will have to be heard at a full review of the licence.”

Included in the operating schedule for the application were measures to promote the licensing objectives, on top of the mandatory conditions.

They relate to a CCTV surveillance system, signs displayed reminding customers to leave the premises quietly and an age verification policy.

A Sainsbury’s spokesman said supermarket bosses were pleased the licence had been approved, and said the plans would continue to build the new shop.

He said: “We are pleased to have our licence approved.

“As a responsible retailer, we promote the responsible sale of alcohol through our ‘Think 25 Policy’ and train all of our colleagues to check the age of anyone buying alcohol if they appear to be aged 25 or under.

“We will now continue with our plans to open our new store.”

A planning application, which has attracted objections from neighbours, is yet to be decided by Preston Council.

The pub will continue to operate.