A new convenience store in Hove can sell alcohol after the council granted its drinks licence application.
The Dials Convenience Store, at 157 Dyke Road, Hove, will be able to sell alcoholic drinks from 8am to 11pm daily, after the owner Isteph Ayoub, made his case to a Brighton and Hove City Council licensing panel.
Neighbours submitted 14 objections to the licence application, citing concerns that alcohol would attract students from Brighton, Hove And Sussex VI Form College (BHASVIC) who pass the premises.
One person, Daniel Bedran, supported Mr Ayoub, saying that he was not planning on opening a bar.
Mr Ayoub, 24, agreed “robust” draft conditions with Sussex Police before the licensing panel hearing on Tuesday 10 March such as no advertising outside the store.
He told the panel of three councillors – Julie Cattell, Paul Nann and Alison Thomson – that he used an app to spot fake identity cards or documents and had weeded out under age customers in that way.
The panel members said that they were impressed by Mr Ayoub’s presentation and motivation although the council had a policy of tending not to grant new licences in the area.
The council decision letter said: “It was clear that he took his licensing responsibilities very seriously and he had a good track record.
“The agreement of conditions with the police was capable of constituting exceptional circumstances to depart from (council licensing policy).
“Ultimately, the panel considers that granting this application is not likely to undermine the licensing objectives or add to issues in the area.”
