A CONVENIENCE store in Ross-on-Wye can sell alcohol till midnight, despite local representatives’ concerns over anti-social behaviour in the town centre.

Gwalia Stores in Broad Street has applied to extend its licence to sell alcohol from until 8pm to until midnight.

But as part of the consultation process Ross Town Council objected that permitting the change could worsen anti-social behaviour whilst fire officers said that safety issues identified at the shop had yet to be addressed.

Mr Rajesh, the agent for the shop’s owner Ratheepan Ramanathan, told the Herefordshire Council’s licensing subcommittee meeting that his client was already staying open past 10pm without issues.

Mr Rajesh said: “This is Mr Ramanatha’s livelihood and he’s not going to jeopardise that by undermining the licensing objectives,” and was willing to abide by any extra conditions to that end.

The agent pointed out that the police hadn’t raised any issues over the licence extension and added that having the shop open late in the evening “can be a deterrent to crime and disorder”.

The agent added: “It has become challenging for Mr Ramanatha to operate within his approved licensing hours, which is why he is staying open until 10pm, but he is not selling alcohol beyond the 8pm, as per current licence condition.”

Mr Rajesh said that work to address the fire safety that had previously been issues raised will be completed in the next few weeks, he assured councillors.

Committee members commented on the fact that people could not see into the shop because of its window décor, but the committee was told that the small windows would have to stay because it is a listed building.

Chairwoman Cllr Polly Andrews said the committee would grant the variation to the premises licence along with changes to the conditions on it, enabling the store to sell alcohol from 6am to midnight.