Noise concerns from neighbours as shop applies for alcohol licence

Locals raised concerns about noise from people gathering at night and potential increases in antisocial behaviour

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Locals have raised concerns about a shop opening soon in Peterborough that has applied for permission to sell alcohol. A meeting of Peterborough City Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee next week will consider whether a premises licence should be granted to the owner of the Londis Indigo, which is set to open in Northminster.

In his initial application, the shop’s owner, Mr Muthukumar Radhakrishnan requested a licence that would cover alcohol sales for off-site consumption and provide late-night refreshment into the early hours, every day of the week. This request met opposition from local residents, a number of whom submitted formal objections to the application.

The objections highlighted fears that the Londis shop’s license would lead to potential public nuisance issues, such as noise from customers gathering outside late at night and increases in antisocial behaviour.

Objectors also argued that, because the shop is located within a residential area where families live, the shop’s late-night hours could negatively impact residents’ quality of life.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary stepped in to mediate with the applicant. This resulted in a number of proposed amendments being added to the initial application in order to mitigate any potential risks relating to associated public nuisance and disorder.

These included revised opening hours from 6am to 2am, restrictions on selling single cans or high-strength alcohol above 6.5% ABV (except craft beers), and requirements for labelling all alcohol sold.

The Licensing Sub-Committee meeting will take place at Sand Martin House on April 24. It will consider the application based on its merits and in relation to the four licensing objectives: preventing crime and disorder, ensuring public safety, preventing public nuisance, and protecting children from harm.