The Licensing Sub-Committee of North Northamptonshire Council met on Monday 16 March 2026 to consider an application for a new premises licence for Bargain Booze at 5 Grafton Close, Wellingborough. The committee granted the application.

Application for a New Premises Licence at Bargain Booze, 5 Grafton Close, Wellingborough

The Licensing Sub-Committee granted the application for a new premises licence for Bargain Booze, located at 5 Grafton Close, Wellingborough, NN8 5WA. The application sought permission to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption between 06:00 and 23:00, seven days a week.

During the consultation period, forty-one representations were received from local residents. The primary concerns raised by residents centred on the potential for increased public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. Specific worries included:

• Opening Hours: Many residents felt that the proposed opening hours of 06:00 to 23:00 were excessive for a residential area and could lead to increased noise, loitering, and street drinking, particularly at the start and end of the day.
• Anti-social Behaviour and Crime: Concerns were raised about the potential for the new store to exacerbate existing issues such as shoplifting, begging, vandalism, and drunken behaviour. Some residents cited incidents at the nearby Tesco Express and the Vicarage Farm Community Centre as examples of potential problems.
• Impact on Children: Several representations highlighted the proximity of the premises to local schools, including Olympic Primary School and Redwell Primary School, and a children's playground at the Vicarage Farm Community Centre. Residents feared that increased alcohol availability would negatively impact children and young people, potentially leading to increased exposure to alcohol-related harm and proxy purchasing.
• Public Nuisance: Issues such as increased littering, noise from customers congregating outside, and general disturbance to the peace of the residential area were frequently mentioned.
• Traffic and Parking: Residents also expressed concerns about potential increases in traffic congestion and parking difficulties in the already busy area.

Northamptonshire Police and the North Northamptonshire Council Environmental Protection department did not make formal representations against the application. The report noted that some concerns raised by residents, such as vehicle congestion and parking availability, fell outside the scope of the Licensing Act 2003. The Act requires decisions to be evidence-based and proportionate to the promotion of the licensing objectives. The report also highlighted that a formal review process exists under Section 51 of the Act should issues arise after the licence is granted.

The Sub-Committee, comprising Councillor Lee Duffy, Councillor Denis McLean, and Councillor Liane Robinson, considered the application and the representations made. Ultimately, they resolved to grant the premises licence.

The decision to grant the licence was made in accordance with the council's Statement of Licensing Policy¹ and guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003². The Licensing Act 2003 mandates that licensing authorities promote four key objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.