Supermarket giant Asda has been refused a premises licence for a filling station in Tranent, East Lothian.
The firm had wanted to sell alcohol from the forecourt, but East Lothian Council’s planning committee heard concerns that the supermarket the petrol station adjoins is well-frequented by shoplifters, who are known to resell the alcohol stolen from the main shop so often that “a couple of gardens” in the vicinity ”are like mini marts”, ward councillor Lee-Anne Menzies said.
Cllr Menzies added: “Opening up alcohol in the petrol station will give [shoplifters] the chance to walk in and fill their boots before walking right out again”, the Herald reports.
The board was also told the main Asda supermarket is at times short staffed, with workers “under stress, particularly when shoplifters who are well-known walk in”.
While the board heard from at least one dissenting councillor who said the licence application was in order and should be granted, Cllr John McMillan, who chaired the meeting, ruled: “Given the concerns I have heard from local members I am minded not to grant this licence in terms of safety and community wellbeing.”
The Herald also reports that Asda asked to be able to reapply for a premises licence for the forecourt without having to wait the 12 months that is usually required for a repeat application, with this request being granted.
