Convenience store eyes expansion and round-the-clock booze sales

A Londis convenience store in Rhymney could be expanded, but council officers have pushed back against a plan to increase alcohol sales there.

Applicant Atlas UK Groups Ltd has proposed round-the-clock sales of booze at the store, based at Rhymney Garage on Victoria Road.

Three neighbours have told Caerphilly County Borough Council they already face problems with noise and antisocial behaviour, however, and fear late-night alcohol sales will worsen the situation.

The local authority’s licensing committee is due to meet on Monday June 29 to discuss the application, which council officers have recommended be turned down.

Currently, the shop opens 24 hours a day but alcohol can only be bought there from 7.30am to 11pm.

In near-identical letters of objection, neighbours from three local properties told the council they were already concerned about “boy racers” congregating at the garage and revving their cars, and also raised complaints of people shouting and dropping litter.

In light of those accounts, the council’s environmental health department has objected to longer alcohol sales hours at the store.

Gwent Police has not objected, but suggested stronger licensing conditions which have since been accepted by the applicant, according to a licensing department report.

The applicant has also bid to extend the size of the Londis store, effectively moving into the former MOT centre next door and creating a small supermarket.

No licensing authorities have objected to that element of the application, which officers have recommended should be approved by the committee.