A new convenience store and petrol station in Wiveliscombe, a quiet rural town in Somerset, has been granted a licence to sell alcohol around the clock. Sterling Petroleum Ltd, which operates 40 similar sites across the UK, opened the store at the former Jones Garage site at 17 West Street, west of Taunton.
The company applied for a 24-hour off-sales alcohol licence, triggering objections from local councillors worried about potential public nuisance. Despite these concerns, Somerset Council’s licensing sub-committee West approved the licence following a brief virtual hearing.
Independent licensing consultant Naga Rajesh, who has worked with Sterling Petroleum for eight years, emphasized the company’s commitment to responsible sales. He confirmed that the store would not stock super-strength alcohol or large quantities of cans and bottles. Rajesh assured the committee, “Local residents are our priority. We are not reliant on passing trade, and we do not want to cause residents any trouble. We have many sites in small villages and have had no issues in the past eight years.”
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However, local officials expressed reservations. Peter Berman of Wiveliscombe Town Council criticized the company for beginning renovations without clear planning permission, especially since the site is located within the town’s conservation area. He questioned the need for a 24-hour alcohol licence in a small community of just 3,000 people where the town is largely deserted by midnight.
“The iconic 1930s garage has seen changes that seem unprofessional without proper consent,” Berman said. “If the goal is to reduce break-ins, keeping the shop open at night is sensible, but it does not necessitate serving alcohol.”
Avon & Somerset Constabulary agreed to several conditions prior to the hearing, including installing CCTV and banning the sale of beer or cider exceeding 6.5% alcohol by volume. Additionally, between 10 pm and 6 am, when only one staff member is on duty, all sales will be handled through a night hatch to limit contact.
Councillor Dave Mansell, representing the Upper Tone division including Wiveliscombe, noted that the development is under an ongoing planning enforcement investigation. “The shop opened on June 18. This site was a family-run garage for 100 years and is now subject to enforcement actions,” he explained.
Rajesh replied that Sterling Petroleum respects planning regulations and is not currently breaching any terms. Mansell, leader of the Green opposition on Somerset Council, voiced concerns over the potential disruption to residents living just doors away on West Road.
“My main worry is public nuisance from selling alcohol overnight in a small, rural hill town. After pubs and shops close by 10 or 11 pm, most residents are asleep,” Mansell said. “This is not an appropriate time or location to encourage alcohol sales. Nighttime quiet will be disrupted and nuisance caused.”
While Mansell supported granting an alcohol licence, he opposed overnight trading. After considering all views, the licensing sub-committee approved the application in full.