Petrol station in moves for liquor licence to sell around the clock

The owners of a petrol station have applied for a licence to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, but the move has been met with criticism from residents.

A decision is due to be made later this month by Wakefield’s licensing sub-committee over Pontefract Service Station on Ackworth Road.

The business, run by Rontec Watford Ltd, already has permission to sell booze between 6am and 11pm daily, but now wants to extend that.

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The company has said that to help uphold the licensing objectives, including the prevention of crime and disorder, a new high-quality CCTV system would be installed, “adequate” staff levels would be maintained and the Challenge 25 objective would be adopted - stringent identification checks on those who may look under 25 and who are trying to buy alcohol.

Despite these assurances, several people have submitted letters of objections to the plans, with fears it would lead to greater anti-social behaviour.

One said: “I am over 70 years old and just want a peaceful life.

“I don’t think having people buying liquor during the night is going to lead to this.

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“Young people especially are going to congregate here drinking and causing problems which the police will have to attend.

“The police budget is already over stretched and this will not help.

“Encouraging people to drink all hours is not a good role model for children to follow.”

The matter will be discussed and decided at the County 
Hall meeting on Wednesday, April 17.