Concerns as Spotland shop is granted alcohol licence

Residents of Spotland have expressed concerns after a troublesome off licence has been granted an alcohol license once again.

The Right Price on Edenfield Road was stripped of its licence in December last year following a hearing by Rochdale Council’s Licensing Panel. The store had been found to be selling alcohol and cigarettes to underage customers; including the unlawful sale of £43 worth of alcohol to a 13-year-old girl.

However, despite the residents reservations, The Right Price was granted a licence for a second time by Rochdale Borough Council recently.

Worried local Nigel Leach said: “As a resident facing the shop I cannot place into words the disbelief that Rochdale Council licensing committee has again granted a license to sell alcohol from these premises.

“I submitted an objection as an interested party along with other residents within the locality of this shop to the licensing committee and was surprised on my recent return from a family holiday that the meeting had taken place whilst I was away.”

A spokesperson for Rochdale Borough Council said: “The application for a license was considered in detail by the Licensing Panel at a full and open hearing which took into account all relevant facts and representations.

“Having regard to the statutory licensing objectives and statutory guidelines, the Panel decided that the application should be granted subject to strict conditions. These include installing CCTV, observing a Challenge 25 policy, conducting regular staff training and being a member of the council’s Responsible Retailers Scheme.

“Anyone who was a party to the hearing/made a representation has the right to appeal against the decision of the Panel to the Magistrates’ Court.

"In addition, if any problems arise with the management of the premises the police, other agencies and local residents can apply to the council for a review of the licence.”