A new Bargain Booze has been given permission to open and sell alcohol despite residents' claims that the shop could 'promote gangs'.
The store, which will be situated at 6 The Crescent in Thornton , was today given permission to operate as an off licence from 8am-11pm, seven days a week, by Sefton Council 's licensing committee.
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Residents raised concerns over nearby schools and a 'fear of gangs' being drawn to the shop.
However, Phil Dickson, director of Empire Booze Ltd, who put in the application, said this was pure speculation.
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Cllr Susan Bradshaw replied that this is a genuine fear people have, and wanted to know what tactics are in place for dealing with any antisocial behaviour .
Mr Dickson said: "A new shop being heavily invested in with staff is a far better deterrent to gangs than a derelict building.
"We have a venue where all its surrounding businesses have been vandalised and ours is the only one that hasn't; and this is because we speak to the kids directly.
"We don't scream or shout, we communicate, we are polite and firm at all times.
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"And I am happy for local residents to have my number so they can call me directly if they have any concerns."
The police and other authorities who oversee such applications have no objections to this application for licence, however some local residents have objected
The store will have approx six to seven staff in total.
It will have CCTV covering all areas, both inside and outside, and will operate a firm Challenge 25 policy.
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When announcing the decision to approve the licence, Sefton Council's lawyer Fiona Townsend said: "We've taken residents' objections into consideration but we haven't heard or received any evidence and cannot base a decision on any speculators concerns.
"We have been encouraged by the applicant's offer of engagement with community, and their wish to refurbish a derelict building and create jobs.
"If any concerns come to fruition, respective parties will have the right to review this licence."
