New Conditions Imposed on S&F Food and Wine’s Alcohol Licence

Peterborough City Council has imposed new conditions on the alcohol licence of S&F Food and Wine, located at 48 Lincoln Road. The decision follows allegations that the shop sold alcohol to intoxicated customers and street drinkers, contributing to local anti-social behaviour.

The request for a review of the licence came from Cambridgeshire Constabulary, which highlighted that the shop was “enabling anti-social behaviour” through its sales practices. This was detailed in a report presented to the council’s licensing sub-committee during its meeting on August 6, 2023. The report indicated that alcohol sales had a “detrimental effect” on the quality of life for residents in the surrounding community.

During the review meeting, evidence was presented showing that police and council licensing officers had visited the shop on May 22. They intervened just as the designated premises supervisor, Rita Troinikova, was about to serve a customer believed to be intoxicated. This incident was not isolated; a similar occurrence had taken place in September 2022, when officers observed a street drinker purchasing alcohol despite previous complaints regarding anti-social behaviour in the area.

Concerns were also raised about potential underage sales at S&F Food and Wine in prior years. The shop operates within a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) zone, designed to mitigate alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

In light of these issues, the licensing sub-committee proposed several conditions aimed at addressing these concerns, rather than opting for suspension or revocation of the licence. Among the new conditions are a stipulation that alcohol sales should comprise no more than 10 percent of the shop’s area, a prohibition on the sale of super-strength alcohol, and a ban on selling individual vessels. Additionally, the premises will be required to install a comprehensive CCTV system and maintain a log of refused alcohol sales.

Both Ms. Troinikova and her husband were present at the meeting and agreed to these new conditions. Cllr Steve Allen, chair of the licensing sub-committee, acknowledged the license holder’s remorse over the incidents and noted attempts to address the underlying issues contributing to local street drinking. He emphasized the importance of responsible licensing and stated that revoking the licence was not deemed appropriate in this situation.

S&F Food and Wine has three weeks to appeal the council’s decision. The imposed conditions reflect the local authorities’ commitment to enhancing community safety and reducing alcohol-related disturbances in the area.