The Licensing Sub-Committee B of Carmarthenshire Council met on Thursday 06 August 2026 to consider an application for a premises licence for RRA Retail at 110 Long Row, Llanelli. After hearing representations from various parties, the committee considered the application and the proposed amendments.

Application for a Premises Licence at 110 Long Row, Llanelli

The committee considered an application from RRA Retail Limited for a premises licence to sell alcohol at 110 Long Row, Llanelli, SA15 3AX. The original application sought permission for alcohol sales and opening hours from 06:00 to 23:00, seven days a week.

Representations and Objections:

The application attracted significant public interest, with numerous objections and representations submitted by local residents and Councillor Michelle Beer. Key concerns raised included:

• Public Safety and Nuisance: Objectors highlighted that the premises is located at the end of a narrow lane with limited accessibility, visibility, and parking. They expressed concerns that increased footfall and vehicle movements from an alcohol-licensed premises would exacerbate existing issues with litter, noise, and anti-social behaviour, particularly given the proximity of residential properties and a nearby underpass known for loitering and suspected drug-related activity.
• Protection of Children from Harm: Residents voiced worries that increased alcohol-related activity in the area could expose children, who frequently use the lane and underpass as play areas, to unsafe or inappropriate situations.
• Prevention of Crime and Disorder: Concerns were raised that the extended hours for alcohol sales could lead to an increase in alcohol-related incidents, disorder, and loitering, particularly in an area already experiencing anti-social behaviour.
• Cumulative Impact: Several objectors pointed to the existing availability of alcohol from other nearby premises, including ASDA and a local social club, arguing that another alcohol outlet in this sensitive residential location was unnecessary and would create a cumulative negative impact on the community.
• Traffic and Parking: The lack of dedicated parking and the use of the lane as a shortcut were cited as reasons why increased vehicle movements would pose a risk to public safety and create nuisance for residents.

The Dyfed-Powys Police initially made representations requesting specific conditions to promote the licensing objectives. These included the installation and maintenance of a CCTV system, a strict Challenge 25 policy, staff training on alcohol regulations, and measures to prevent noise and litter in the vicinity.

The Licensing Authority, represented by Emyr Jones, Licensing Lead, also made representations, noting that the proposed operating schedule lacked sufficient precision to form enforceable licence conditions. They also highlighted that the premises had not previously operated as a convenience store and was yet to obtain planning permission.

Applicant's Response and Amendments:

Anil Bhawsar, the licensing agent for RRA Retail Limited, and the applicant, Raj, addressed the committee. They stated that the applicant had over 17 years of retail experience and was mindful of the residents' concerns. In response to the representations, they proposed to amend the application by reducing the operating hours for both alcohol sales and the premises' opening to 07:00 to 21:00 daily. They also confirmed that the applicant had agreed to incorporate the conditions requested by Dyfed-Powys Police into the licence.

Decision:

The committee considered the application, the representations made, and the applicant's proposed amendments. The applicant indicated an intention to create parking spaces behind the building by demolishing part of the existing structure.

The committee stressed that the granting of the premises licence for alcohol sales was entirely separate from any planning permission decisions, which would be considered by the planning committee.