Liquor Licence at New Sainsbury's Convenience Store
As you may be aware, Sainsbury's are planning to open a new convenience store at the premises occupied by M & Co. in Cobham High Street. They have applied for a liquor licence for liquor to be sold between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. seven days a week - the same hours as it is intended for the store to be open.Cobham & Downside Residents' Association, backed by the Cobham Conservation Heritage Trust and the Chamber of Commerce feel strongly that these hours should be reduced - no liquor to be sold after 9 p.m. The later in the evening that liquor can be sold, the more risk of vandalism/crime and disturbance in the area to the detriment of local residents, businesses and the environment. Riverhill could be particularly vulnerable.
Representatives of the CDRA, CCHT and the Chamber met with two members of Sainsbury's HQ staff (who deal with licensing) this week, 21st March, and sought agreement from them that liquor would not be sold after 9 p.m. for the reasons stated earlier. Sainsbury's would only be prepared to review licensing hours if there was evidence that their operations create a disturbance to warrant a review of their licence. Sainsbury's have not carried out any study to see if there is a need for the supply of alcohol late into the evening and they like all their town centre convenience stores to operate common hours. They do not recognise the special features of Cobham, namely, it is more akin to a residential village rather than a town. Riverhill poses a potential major concern and that late night alcohol provision so close to the visiting Kebab Van should not be encouraged.
If you share our concerns, please send an objection to the proposed licensing hours to Environmental Health and Licensing, Elmbridge Borough Council, Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey KT10 9SD. Your communication must indicate the name of the premises, namely Sainsbury's, 29-31 High Street, Cobham, KT11 3DH. Representations must be in writing. Emails or faxes will not be accepted. A Form of Representation to be completed can be downloaded via the website using www.elmbridge.gov.uk/envhealth/lic/objecting.htm. The Licensing Act 2003 is based around four principles and your objection must have relevance to these:
• The prevention of crime and disorder
• Public safety
• The prevention of public nuisance
• The protection of children from harm
Objections must be received by no later than Thu 28 March 2013 and the grounds for such objection must be stated.
Please bring this to the attention of your friends and neighbours; time and impact is of the essence. The organisations below will be submitting their own representations.
• Susan Kilpatrick, OBE Chairman, CDRA
• Alistair Mann, Chairman Cobham Chamber of Commerce
• Sir Gerald Acher, CBE LVO Chairman Cobham Heritage
The CCHT have submitted a letter of objection which can be seen by clicking here 
