A new Bedford supermarket has had its application to sell alcohol refused.
Concerns about the application for Broadway 2 Supermarket, 34-38 Midland Road, were raised at Bedford Borough Council’s Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on 12 January.
At the meeting, PC Darren Welch told councillors: “I do not have the confidence the licensing objectives at this point in time will be upheld with what I’ve heard this morning.”
In its decision notice, the sub-committee said the police made representations in respect of this application and, after questioning the applicant’s agent, the police “still held significant concerns” about operational management of the premises.
The sub-committee was also concerned by the responses provided by the applicant’s agent, saying their responses sometimes “lacked clarity, detail and understanding” in respect of the questions being asked.
There was also concern about the applicant’s and agent’s lack of engagement following an initial meeting in November, and about the applicant/designated premises supervisor’s non-attendance at the committee hearing.
The applicant can appeal to the Magistrates Court within 21 days.
By John Guinn
Local Democracy Reporter
