A local councillor has hit out at plans to open a new off-licence in an area of North London already “suffering from persistent street drinking and alcohol-related antisocial behaviour”.
The owner has said the move is a necessary move for the shop “in order to keep it trading”. The current owner of Newsfare newsagents on Craven Park Road in Harlesden has applied to Brent Council for a new licence that would enable it to sell alcohol.
However, the shop falls within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), which are imposed by the council in order to combat crime, street drinking, and antisocial behaviour in the worst parts of the borough.
The owner’s agent has said transitioning from a “currently unsustainable snack and stationery-based business” into a modern convenience store and off-licence is essential to save it. But the ward councillor described the plan as “worrying” and suggested granting the licence would “exacerbate existing problems” in the area.
In 2023, the Metropolitan Police opposed plans to open a similar presence in the area, citing 154 recorded crimes within a six-month period within the vicinity. This time, officers have not objected to the latest plan – pointing to the owner’s agreement to a number of conditions proposed, including keeping an incident log; all alcoholic drinks being marked with the name of the premises; and no high strength beers or miniatures.
However, Harlesden & Kensal Green ward Councillor, Matt Kelcher, claims the level of demand on policing in the area “reinforces the council’s rationale” for designated it as a CIZ and suggests allowing the plan risks “further entrenching the very problems the policy is intended to address”.
In a written statement against the application, Cllr Kelcher said: “Craven Park Road and its immediate surroundings are already well documented as an area suffering from persistent street drinking and alcohol-related antisocial behaviour. These issues have a tangible impact on residents’ sense of safety and the day-to-day use of the public realm.
“The proposed extended trading hours, combined with long hours for the sale of alcohol, are especially worrying in this context. Experience in this locality suggests that longer alcohol availability directly correlates with prolonged periods of street drinking, increased nuisance behaviour, and additional pressure on already stretched policing resources.”
There are other concerns about opening another off-licence in this part of Harlesden, with there already being 12 shops where alcohol can be purchased within a five-minute walk of the premises.
Cllr Klecher added: “I am also concerned that approving another off-licence in such a saturated market may drive price competition between premises, making alcohol cheaper and more readily accessible. This would be actively counterproductive.”
The owners agent – The Licensing Guys – responded to say that “we are on the same side” and the plans that have been put forward “will not add to any cumulative impact” caused by the number of alcohol licensed premises in the area. They said they “will not tolerate” individuals who present a risk to their customers or the local area.
The agent added: “As business owners we wish to operate in a safe neighbourhood and any increase in crime would likely have a negative impact on all businesses in the area, including ours, driving customers away. Our family-friendly business seeks to become a valued part of the community where over time our customers become friendly acquaintances, where they feel valued and cared for.
“No one benefits if the area isn’t cared for, so our applicant will operate in a safe, legal, compliant, professional and responsible manner to ensure this business continues to contribute positively and does not cause issues to anyone. The applicant has no interest in nurturing a street-drinking population in the vicinity. These individuals primarily seek high ABV products at discount prices, and usually purchase one unit at a time. This is far from the customer avatar we wish to attract, encourage or service.”
The police have confirmed that they “do not wish to make any representation” in relation to the application. A statement added: “Having reviewed the application and the conditions proposed, we can confirm that we are satisfied that the measures outlined are appropriate and proportionate to promote the licensing objectives.”
The application will be reviewed by Brent Council’s Alcohol and Entertainment Licensing Sub-Committee later this month (June 15), where a decision on whether to grant the licence will be made.
NOW READ:
Home Office calls for Brent bar fined £40k for hiring illegal workers to be stripped of its licence
Brent Council criticised after homeless young woman placed in male-only hostel
Grant Williams is a journalist and Local Democracy Reporter (LDR) for Reach PLC, reporting on local government, politics and community issues across London. As part of the Local Democracy Reporting Service, he has contributed to Harrow Online, covering council decisions, housing developments, transport, planning matters and stories affecting local communities across Harrow and Brent.
