A new business operating as a deli, restaurant and wine bar faces has received a mixed reception to its application for a drinks licence.
One neighbour has objected while there is also some community support for Wm Group which wants to run a “casual and accessible” venue in the former grocer’s at 1 Surrey Street, Brighton.
The new business is owned by Nick Moseby and Luke Williams, both 33, and is based in the former Grocer and Grain store on the corner of Upper Gloucester Road, Brighton.
The pair are due to present their case for a premises licence at a licensing panel hearing before three councillors on Monday 15 September.
The pair said in their application: “The space will be designed as a community-led, Brighton-rooted hospitality venue that celebrates the best of the city.
“The alcohol offering will be considered and responsible, with a focus on quality over volume.”
The company has no plans to sell shots, high-strength cocktails – unless pre-mixed – or any beers above 6.5 per cent ABV.
Brighton and Hove City Council’s licensing team and a resident have objected to the application for alcohol sales on and off the premises from noon to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday and from noon to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays.
The council licensing team objected to the application because the premises is in the West Hill and North Laine ward which is already “saturated” with licensed businesses and experiences high levels of drink-related crime.
The anonymous objector, whose details were redacted by the council, said: “We already have several public houses within a few yards so there is no need for this.
“It should not be an off-licence because selling alcohol to take away is likely to increase street drinking and all the problems that creates.
“It will generate a significant noise problem as well as encourage anti-social behaviour such as people urinating in driveways and doorways.”
An anonymous supporter, whose details were also redacted, said: “Granting this licence would benefit the local community by providing a deli / restaurant / wine bar which would be a welcome addition to the West Hill neighbourhood which is lacking this combined offer locally.
“It would fill a gap in the market and I am also encouraged by the emphasis on local / Sussex produce.”
Draft licence conditions have been agreed with the council’s environmental health team and Sussex Police.
These include limiting off-sales to craft beer brewed in south east England and wine produced by independent producers and limited to two selections of white, orange, red, rosé and sparkling.
Customers must be served at tables and substantial food must be available at all times when alcohol is available for sale.
The online hearing is due to start at 10am on Monday 15 September and is scheduled to be webcast.
Gap in the market ???? just another excuse to sell more booze which in fact the REAL monymaker. how about the councils sets a quota, 1 booze venue, shop, kiosk, closes before a new licence is granted to any others, it’s the only way to get a grip on it, also no more vacancy means no more council meeting on that subject before a vacancy comes up, no in between transfers, no family add ons, non compliance means no more licence instead of endless debates. just a thought although I do enjoy a pint.
Booze rithen Brighton!
The previous Grocer and Grain was a lovely high class place . Shame it’s gone.
This place sounds like another place for local hipsters like the Cow on Seven Dials.
There is a proper pub across the road and a perfectly indecent shop nextdoor