A Budgens store in Wells, Somerset, will now be able to sell alcohol around the clock, despite significant concerns from nearby residents about potential noise, crime, and rowdy behavior. The store, located inside the Esso petrol station on Bath Road in a predominantly residential area, had its alcohol licence extended to permit sales 24 hours a day.
Motor Fuel Ltd., the licensee of the Wells branch which also houses a Post Office counter, sought to vary their existing licence, which previously allowed alcohol sales only from 7am to 10pm. The new licence also authorizes the sale of “late-night refreshments,” such as hot drinks and takeaway food, between 11pm and 5am.
Somerset Council approved the licence variation despite opposition from the local community. Residents voiced their worries during a virtual meeting of the council’s licensing sub-committee. Many cited concerns about existing problems around the site, including frequent visits by intoxicated individuals and incidents of crime.
Caroline Baxendale, speaking on behalf of local residents from The Mews, said: “We have witnessed crime and disorder in the evenings outside Budgens, including threatening behaviour that has even led to staff injury. This area is usually quiet and residential, with many elderly neighbors who will be impacted by increased noise and antisocial activity.”
Daniel Dutton, a resident living opposite the store, raised concerns regarding noise and light pollution and a history of disturbances: “My children’s bedrooms face the store. The area already suffers from repeated breaches of planning conditions, and alcohol-dependent individuals frequently loiter and cause disturbances late into the night. One staff member suffered a broken arm due to violent behavior.”
Over twenty written objections were submitted ahead of the decision hearing, reflecting widespread community unease.
Representing Motor Fuel Ltd., Robert Botkai, a senior partner at Winckworth Sherwood LLP, emphasized the company’s experience managing petrol stations with similar licences: “Motor Fuel Ltd. operates over 1,100 petrol stations nationwide, with more than 800 holding 24-hour alcohol licences. Several stores in Somerset already operate with these licences without issues. Importantly, this application does not extend store opening hours beyond current limits.”
The Avon and Somerset Constabulary did not oppose the licence change but recommended conditions, including that alcohol sales between 11pm and 6am be conducted through a dedicated night pay window to manage staffing challenges.
After a brief private discussion, the council’s licensing committee granted the licence renewal under the agreed conditions, enabling the Budgens branch to serve alcohol continuously.