A convenience shop opposite Ayr railway station has been given permission to sell alcohol despite concerns from councillors about how the change could affect the store’s layout and customers.
Aram Mohammed Kasool applied for occasional licences for Euro Express in Smith Street before South Ayrshire Council’s licensing board. The application would allow the shop to sell alcohol for off-sales between 10am and 10pm, Monday to Sunday—the maximum hours permitted.
The shop currently mainly sells tobacco products, vapes, sweets, non-alcoholic and energy drinks, along with some general grocery items and snacks. Under the proposal, a fridge currently used for soft drinks would be used to stock alcohol.
Occasional licences planned while full application is considered
Documents submitted to the board said the applicant had lodged four occasional licence applications, beginning on September 1. The intention was to use “back to back” occasional licences until a full premises licence could be granted and confirmed.
The documents explained that South Ayrshire’s licensing board permits this type of arrangement while applicants apply for section 50 certificates. That process can take two or three months, allowing premises to continue trading while the longer-term application is dealt with.
A representative for Euro Express told the board that a more permanent licence had been sought and that the occasional licences would bridge the gap until it was approved.
Councillor questions fridge arrangement
The board heard that only a limited number of fridges could be used because of the premises’ unusual layout. Councillor Martin Kilbride questioned how children visiting the shop for soft drinks would be affected if one of the fridges was converted to alcohol.
“All the plans show me is flipping a soft drink fridge to alcohol. There must be more investment needed in this shop.”
The business representative said customers would reach the soft drinks before the alcohol because the soft drinks would be further around the shop. They also pointed to difficulties getting suitable fridges into the premises.
“They will hit the soft drinks before the alcohol as that will be further round the shop.”
“It is of a fairly unusual design and there are problems with getting the right fridges in.”
Although the application was approved, licensing board chair William Grant said members still had concerns. He said the application met the legal requirements but warned that the matter would return to the board in November when the full licence is considered.
“Under the legislation it meets what it's supposed to meet. We will expect this back up in November [for a full licence], and can look at it further.”
