Crime fears cannot stop Lidl winning alcohol licence for new store in Hythe
COUNCILLORS gave the green light for a Lidl supermarket to sell alcohol until late in the evening when it opens in Hythe village centre next year – despite warnings it could fuel crime.
Neighbours opposed an application by the German discount chain for licensing hours of 7am-11pm at its new outlet under construction on the former St John’s Street car park.
Together with local councillors, they warned of underage drinking, anti-social behaviour and litter returning to the site which they said had previously suffered regular trouble.
At a meeting of New Forest District Council’s licensing subcommittee in Lyndhurst on Tuesday, they called for opening hours identical to nearby Waitrose, which shuts at 8pm despite holding the same 16-hour licence sought by Lidl.
The store is set to launch in late February with non-Sunday opening times of 8am-10pm, within the approved licensing hours.
The outlet was approved in 2017 by NFDC planners on the second attempt with the promise of 40 new jobs and the backing of more than 300 letters of support.
But Cllr James Binns, of Butts Ash and Dibden Purlieu, said: “Selling alcohol for up to 16 hours a day in a village centre surrounded by residential areas, and where there have been significant problems with the use of alcohol, does not bring the community benefits which were the basis of Lidl’s planning application.”
Cllr Dan Poole, of Dibden and Hythe East, said anti-social behaviour was currently at a low level due to concerted action by the authorities.
But he pointed out the parish council no longer employed Accredited Community Safety Officers and added: “We’re now operating with reduced police officers in our area, so we have to bring that into account. They have to prioritise where they have to be. We have great concerns.”
He rejected Lidl’s argument that there were shops in Hythe already licensed for as long as 6am-11pm by pointing out none operated those hours in the village centre.
Neighbour Janet Evans said: “I have broken up fights among people and found people lying in the road incapacitated because of booze. I am not against selling alcohol but the hours – it should stop when Waitrose stops.”
Peter Lawson, secretary of the neighbouring St John the Baptist Church, added: “We’re concerned about noise and extra litter in the churchyard and other acts of petty vandalism.”
Speaking for Lidl, Amanda Pillinger pointed out there had been no objection from the police or NFDC’s environmental health department.
She promised sales staff would be highly trained to spot buyers who were underage or illegally supplying alcohol to youngsters.
“Lidl want to commit to being part of the community and have procedures that stop crime and disorder and make sure there are no issues of anti-social behaviour,” Mrs Pillinger said.
“This is a supermarket, not a bargain booze shop. Part of the range they offer is alcohol. We do not believe they will add to any issues of anti-social behaviour or crime and disorder because they are a responsible trader.
“If problems do happen and if young people do start congregating in the car park, they would address that straight away, like with proxy sales. They’re very experienced in doing so.”
Approving the application, Cllr Steve Clarke highlighted the lack of police concern and the subcommittee’s satisfaction with Lidl’s policies to forestall problems. A licensing review could be triggered if serious issues arose, he said.
Cllr Binns reacted afterwards: “Lidl say they want to be a good neighbour but they are proposing a potential issue.
“They’re saying they may not cause an issue on site but that issue may be elsewhere – that’s appalling and that’s a problem.”
