Controversial Albert Road shop approved with alcohol sales limited to midnight

Plans have been approved for Sentha Retail Limited to transform the former Southsea Cycles shop into a “community convenience store” at 235-237 Albert Road, Southsea.

The application attracted criticism from local business owners, residents and councillors, who raised concerns about its proximity to a primary school and fears it could worsen anti-social behaviour and unhealthy habits.

During Portsmouth City Council’s licensing sub-committee, the applicant’s representative said the designated premises supervisor has 10 years’ retail experience, including running other stores in Cowplain.

They also criticised objections from residents and councillors, which totalled more than 175, claiming at least 120 were identically worded.

The representative said concerns around vapes, alcohol and junk food were not material considerations under licensing law, and argued there was no evidence to suggest the shop would impact the health and wellbeing of children.

In closing, they said the application was an opportunity to bring a shop that has been vacant for a year back into use, run by an experienced retailer.

Speaking at the meeting, local ward councillor Charlotte Gerada said she objected “as a resident, parent and councillor”.

She raised concerns about primary school children, who she described as the city’s most “vulnerable and impressionable” residents, seeing promotional material for vapes, tobacco and alcohol during lessons and playtime.

She referenced an NHS report which found 25 per cent of 11 to 15-year-olds have tried vapes despite it being illegal.

At this point, the council’s solicitor interjected, reminding the chamber that vaping “is not currently regulated” by the Licensing Act and therefore “not something you can take as a consideration at all”.

Cllr Gerada replied: “I apologise for that but it will be like throwing seed on stony ground.”

She then raised concerns about anti-social behaviour, which she said is common on Albert Road, and argued a late-night alcohol shop would make the problem worse.

Local retailer Brian Morton, who owns Hunter Gather coffee shop on Albert Road, echoed concerns about school pupils, saying: “This is not about fearmongering, it’s about safeguarding and setting appropriate boundaries for spaces used by children daily.”

Delivering the decision, Cllr Emily Strudwick, chair of the committee, granted the application but restricted alcohol sales to midnight.

She said the sub-committee accepted legal advice “that it must focus on the licensing objectives”, not vapes, tobacco or the unhealthy nature of convenience food.

“Residents can be reassured there is a right of review and in the event that issues do arise, and evidence supports, action can be taken to address concerns.”