A filling station in Stoke-on-Trent that recently sold in record time has been granted a 24-hour alcohol licence despite a neighbour raising concerns the change would increase noise and antisocial behaviour in the area.
Jacks Service Station was previously featured by Forecourt Trader after its sale completed just 10 days after its buyer’s offer was accepted by the vendor.
New owner Muhammad Yasir subsequently applied to the local council to extend the hours the shop can sell alcohol, with this previously being limted to between 6am and 10pm.
The licensing sub-committee at Stoke-on-Trent City Council ruled the forecourt can sell alcohol 24 hours a day, noting that while it had “some sympathy with the resident” who lodged objections, they noted the road the forecourt sits on is “incredibly busy”, diminishing their concerns about increased noise.
Yasir, from Premier Petrol Stations, told the council two of the four forecourts he runs in the area have 24-hour licences and operate well, and have not generated a single complaint from neighbours.
As part of the granting of the licence extension the forecourt must display signage asking customers to be quiet, and staff must actively monitor noise. The sale of single cans of beer and cider are also banned after 11pm, after which customers must also be served via the shop’s night hatch.
