An expanding high street store’s bid for a “24/7” alcohol licence has proven to be controversial. Home Bargains in currently in the process of expanding into the former Morrisons on Bury Road in Breightmet and is set to reopen in the autumn. But a recent application to Bolton Council for a premises licence that will give it the right to sell alcohol in theory at any time of the day has already provoked opposition.
Cllr Sean Fielding, of Breightmet, said: “I’ve objected to Home Bargains’ application for a 24/7 licence. “The store as it previously was only had one until eight and that’s enough. “Home Bargains’ position is contradictory.
The application was made to Bolton Council (Image: Newsquest) “They swear blind they have no intention of opening beyond eight but in the next breath they say they need 24/7 licensing to ‘future proof’ the store.” He added: “I’ll withdraw my objection if they amend the application to match the original arrangements and if, in future, they need longer then, we can consider it then. “We can’t let it become a 24 hour off licence by the back door.
” The space next to Home Bargains has been empty since Morrisons closed down last September, with the retailer announcing plans to move into it soon after. Works are now well underway to expand the store ahead of a proposed opening day on November 24 this year. The licencing application the company has put before the council will, if approved, give the newly expanded store the right to open for 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The licence will also give the branch the right to sell alcohol for drinking off the premises during that same time. ALSO READ: Expanding high street store bids for '24/7 alcohol' licence ALSO READ: Date set for store reopening 'twice the original size' with café, bakery and new jobs ALSO READ: New café announced as 'work progresses' as new plans lodged for former supermarket Cllr Fielding says that the company has told him that they do not intent to open the branch beyond 8pm, but he pointed out the licence will give them the right to stay open beyond that. The previous opening times were from 8am to 8pm from Monday to Saturday and from 10am to 4pm on Sundays.
Anyone wishing to make representations about the bid will have to contact Bolton Council’s licencing team in writing by August 20 this year. TJ Morris Ltd, which trades as Home Bargains, has been approached for comment..
