Ascona has been granted an off licence for its Bowling Green Service Station in Lancaster, despite local objections.
In its application to Lancaster City Council, the Top 50 Indie said its sells alcohol responsibly at over 50 sites across the UK, with many of those sites open and licensed to sell alcohol for 24 hours, along with other products. “This premises is a well-established filling station and forecourt with a convenience store, which have been operated by the applicant for several years without any known complaints, problems or issues,” stated the application.
Ascona added that while alcohol is not the intended focus of the business, there is an expectation that it would be sold alongside other products. And the use of CCTV, an electronic refusals register and till prompts would ensure a safe sales environment.
There were several objections to the application including one which said selling alcohol at the petrol station would encourage drink-driving: “The sale of alcohol in such a setting undermines public safety and contradicts the responsibility that should be upheld by a business operating so close to a major road network.”
There were also worries that the sale of alcohol would lead to more anti-social behaviour, however, the Council’s licensing sub-committee believed Ascona’s plans were acceptable and granted the licence.
