The Statutory Licensing Sub Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for RRA Retail Limited at 55-57 Eversley Road, Swansea. The committee decided to grant the licence, subject to conditions.

Application for a Premises Licence for RRA Retail Limited

The committee considered an application from RRA Retail Limited for a new premises licence at 55-57 Eversley Road, Swansea, SA2 9DE. The applicant sought permission to supply alcohol for off-sales between Monday and Sunday, from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.

The premises is described as a convenience store located in a mixed business and residential area of Sketty. The application was supported by an operating schedule outlining steps to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. These steps included the installation of a comprehensive CCTV system, operation of a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme, and the maintenance of a log for refused alcohol sales.

No representations were received from responsible authorities, such as South Wales Police or Trading Standards. However, one representation was received from a local resident. This resident expressed concerns about the number of existing alcohol retailers in the area, stating that Sgeti needs another shop selling alcohol as there are already two supermarkets, a pub, No 47 on The Cross, the Sketty Club and petrol station which do this. The resident also raised concerns about the proposed 6 a.m. opening time, suggesting it would be disruptive in a residential area, and that the shop's proposed offering, particularly alcohol sales, was not in keeping with the ambience of the area, which they described as having lovely, interesting, niche shops. The resident also voiced concerns about the potential sale of vapes, deeming them harmful, especially to young people.

During the meeting, the applicant, Mr. Nagaraiah Nagendraja, explained that the premises was formerly a bakery and that he intended to use only 10% of the 1,300 square foot shop for alcohol sales, with the remainder dedicated to snacks, soft drinks, cakes, and other convenience items. He also highlighted plans to offer additional services such as PayPoint, parcel services, newspapers, magazines, and a Costa coffee machine, aiming to provide a public service for local customers. He noted that while the proposed opening hours were 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., they might reduce Sunday hours to 10 p.m. due to the area.

Councillor Mark Tribe questioned the 6 a.m. opening time, asking if the shop would be predominantly for alcohol. Mr. Nagendraja clarified that it would not be, and that the shop would be open for general retail, with alcohol sales only occurring if a customer requested it. Councillor Tribe also inquired about the flexibility of the 11 p.m. closing time, to which Mr. Nagendraja responded that it could be earlier if there was no demand. Councillor Tribe also noted the glut of alcohol available in that area but acknowledged that if there were no local objections, it was acceptable.

The committee, chaired by Councillor Penny Matthews, with Councillor L.V. Walton also present, considered the application and the representations. Following deliberation, the committee decided to grant the premises licence. The decision was made subject to conditions that reflected the operating schedule, modified as the authority considered appropriate for the promotion of the licensing objectives. These conditions are detailed in Appendix C of the public reports pack¹.