“How many convenience stores does an area need?”

Residents are up in arms over plans to vary the premises licence of Restaurant 27 which will allow it to become a shop.

Portsmouth City Council’s licensing committee will decide an application to vary the premises licence for the pizza and pasta restaurant at 27a South Parade in Southsea.

The original Restaurant 27, a Michelin-listed French eatery, closed in August 2023. In May 2024, the property was sold to private owners, who reopened a pizza and pasta restaurant under the same name.

But now the new owners have submitted an application to vary the premises licence to allow a convenience store alongside the hot food offering.

The site currently opens from 5pm to 9pm Monday to Thursday, and 12pm to 9.30pm Friday to Sunday. If approved, the convenience store would operate from 7am to 11pm seven days a week, with alcohol sales for consumption on and off the premises during those hours.

The application also seeks the removal of a condition stating that no children shall be allowed on the premises unless accompanied by an adult.

No responsible authorities have objected to the plans and the applicant has agreed a number of conditions with police should the variation be granted.

The conditions would ban sales of high-strength beers, lagers and ciders above 6.5 per cent unless sold in manufacturer packs of four or more, require a written or computerised log of crime and disorder incidents, keep spirits behind the counter, restrict deliveries to genuine residential or business addresses, and stop new delivery or collection orders after 10pm.

Twelve local residents have objected to the plans, arguing that the area is already well served by convenience stores.

However, the council’s committee report notes that concerns over demand “is a matter for the planning authority and for the market” rather than the licensing authority.

One nearby resident said they believe the “noise, disturbance, increased traffic and customers” using the shop “ will have an effect not only on our quality of life but also that of the other residents in our apartment block and the surrounding properties”.

“There is really no need for another take-away /convenience shop in the area as there are two convenience stores, a chip shop, cafe, Chinese take away and take away coffee shop all within 200 metres of Fastnet House.

“There is also a CO-OP store approx 500 metres away plus cafes and take aways on South Parade Pier. How many convenience stores does an area need?”

Another resident raised concerns over children’s safety: “This premises is located near the seafront. A convenience store is a primary target for “proxy purchasing” and increases children’s exposure to alcohol and vape marketing. I am concerned that the transition to a retail model will encourage youths to congregate nearby, undermining the safety of the local school route.”

Another resident, who lives “within yards” of the restaurant, said they have “witnessed the annual abhorrent behaviour of the youths in the area, especially in the summer months”.

“I have also witnessed the Co-Op on South Parade being targeted, with appalling behaviour, thieving, throwing stones, abuse and mockery to the workforce. There is no doubt in my mind that they will not be selective where they choose to congregate.”

You can view the application by looking at the licensing committee’s agenda here.