Norden booze licence rejected after strong opposition

Norden Convenience Store

A Norden convenience store which applied for middle of the night alcohol trading has had its application rejected.

Bottle and Basket, also known as Norden Convenience Store, on Edenfield Road, applied to the council to be able to serve alcohol between 7.00am and 4.00am daily.

The application went to Rochdale Council’s licensing committee, but after strong opposition from local residents, councillors and police officers, it was rejected - anti-social behaviour in the area was flagged up as a main reason.

Norden Councillor Peter Winkler said: “It’s no secret that the times they were asking for were not in sync with the sort of times usually requested.

"All three local councillors had meetings with the police and with the licencing committee about this in the past and we are aware of the residents’ view that they do not want alcohol being sold there at four in the morning.

“We have had quite a bit of anti-social behaviour in the area and there is no doubt that this would have contributed to it getting worse. Not to mention the fact that it is a residential area and this sort of trading just wouldn’t have fit with the local community.”

Nigel Morell, from Norden Area Forum, said: “It is the second time that this premises has come before the licencing committee and on both occasions the community pulled together and had a clear, unanimous message of rejection.

“The decision that was taken wasn’t down to anyone other than the local people who spoke with one voice to say that this shouldn’t happen.

“Greater Manchester Police as well as the Council are doing a fantastic job in ensuring the safety and amenity of the local community. Even councillors beyond our ward played a part in this and recognise the importance of this decision.”