The Statutory Licensing Sub Committee approved a new premises licence for Student Roost, St Davids, New Cut Road, Swansea, SA1 2DN, with modified conditions. The committee considered representations from local councillors and residents who raised concerns about potential increases in crime, disorder, public nuisance, and risks to public safety.

Premises Licence for Student Roost, Swansea

The committee approved a new premises licence for a convenience store at Student Roost, St Davids, New Cut Road, Swansea, SA1 2DN, allowing for the supply of alcohol for off-premises consumption between 9am and 11pm daily. The premises will be open from 6am to 11pm. The decision was made with modified conditions, including a restriction on the sale of single cans of alcohol with an ABV over 6.5% and a condition that deliveries must take place between 10am and 7pm.

Local councillors, including Councillor Mike White and Councillor Beverley Hopkins, who are ward members for the area, presented objections from residents. Their concerns centred on the potential for increased anti-social behaviour, public nuisance, and risks to public safety. They highlighted existing issues in the vicinity, such as problems with students residing at Student Roost, the presence of a bail hostel nearby, and individuals congregating under a railway tunnel. Councillor White stated, our concern is to an off license near there is only going to create further problems. ¹

Residents also expressed worries about increased traffic and noise, particularly for those living in ground-floor flats close to the proposed premises. One resident, C Beynon, noted, A licensed retailer at this site would inevitably exacerbate the ASB and noise experienced by residents. ² Concerns were also raised about parking, with residents having employed a private parking enforcement company due to issues with obstructive parking on Pottery Street.

The applicant, Sundar Lal, managing director of 3S Retail Limited, addressed the committee, clarifying that the main entrance to the shop would be on New Cut Road, with a separate entrance on Pottery Street solely for loading and unloading. He assured the committee that the premises would be equipped with 16 high-definition CCTV cameras, creating a surveillance hub with 24-hour monitoring. Mr. Lal also stated that all staff would be trained in the sale and supply of alcohol and that the business would employ local residents. He added, I make sure I work with the local authority and the local community as well. ³

The committee discussed the proximity of the proposed premises to other licensed retailers, such as Lidl and Home Bargains at Parc Tawe, and noted that the applicant's proposed conditions, particularly the restriction on single can sales over 6.5% ABV, aimed to mitigate some of the potential issues. Councillor Penny Matthews, Chair of the committee, sought clarification on delivery times, and Mr. Lal agreed to a condition that deliveries would occur between 10am and 7pm.