An Erskine off-licence’s bid to extend its opening hours has been stalled to let police probe whether antisocial behaviour is a problem in the area.
Community activists have voiced concerns over the shop in Park Glade being allowed to stay open later, as they believe the continued sale of alcohol could aggravate problems with underage drinking.
The shop at 15 to 17 Park Glade is currently open until 7pm from Monday to Thursday, 8pm on Friday and Saturday, and 4pm on Sunday.
The owners are keen to extend this until 10pm to make the business more viable.
However, Sam Mullin, chairman of Erskine Community Council, appealed to Renfrewshire Licensing Board and called for a rethink.
He said: “We have major issues with underage drinking in Erskine. We are trying to work with Police Scotland on this.
“We would like the hours to remain what they were.”
However, the business’ legal representation said the hours were “restrictive” and reassured board members measures were in place to prevent the sale of alcohol to those under the age of 18.
Audrey Junner, a partner at Hill Brown Licensing, said: “The hours are quite restrictive; seven during the week, eight on the weekend and four on a Sunday.
“The applicant wants to bring it in line with statutory hours.
“They took over the premises in April last year and customers are often asking why they don’t open later in line with other shops.
“The shop operates Challenge 25 with full CCTV externally and internally – a total of 16 cameras are in place.
“We take on board the concerns from the community council and it’s something my clients are very aware of.
“There’s no evidence that would lead to a suggestion that licensing objectives would be compromised. It’s very much for business reasons.”
Mr Mullin said the community council was willing to work with the business on a compromise.
He added: “We are not against local traders, we support our local traders. There’s major issues with antisocial behaviour because of alcohol.
“All we are asking is to work alongside us and a bit of reduction.”
Ms Junner responded: “There is training in place to ensure younger people are not getting their hands on alcohol. My client has taken over and is trying to make it more commercially viable.
“They are happy to liaise with the community council to ensure they know who they should be looking out for.”
Following a short recess, Councillor Andy Steel, convener of the board, requested Police Scotland provide a report on antisocial behaviour at the location in the last year.
Inspector Manjit Singh confirmed Police Scotland would provide a report within 21 days.
The item was then continued until the next Licensing Board, which is scheduled for September 16.
