Asda given booze licence despite residents’ backlash

By Joe Coughlan, Local Democracy Reporter

Plans for a new Asda express store to sell alcohol have been approved, despite residents saying it could encourage antisocial behaviour in the area.

The supermarket chain will soon open a convenience store in a former Lloyds bank in Blackheath Village and, after permission was granted by Greenwich council on Thursday of last week, it will be able to sell booze.

Alcohol sales will be from 7am until 11pm every day – the same hours that the shop will be open. 

The scheme received 72 objections from residents, and was discussed at a licensing meeting on October 3. 

John Barron, speaking on behalf of the Blackheath Society, claimed there were already more than 40 premises permitted to sell alcohol in Blackheath Village and deliveries to other businesses in the area often brought traffic to a ‘grinding halt’. 

Resident Richard Kiveal, who lives 10 yards away from the former bank, said: “Take it from the residents who live and breathe this every day, there is very significant antisocial behaviour as a result of existing licences. 

“This includes loud shouting and altercations, vandalism and public urination which is deeply unpleasant for the residents.”

Solicitor Richard Taylor, speaking on behalf of Asda, said there was a loading bay present outside the old bank, and discussions had been held with the council to restore appropriate signage.

He added that the store would provide additional bins to handle waste from customers and staff would regularly sweep outside the front of the business.

Mr Taylor said at the meeting: “Asda runs its stores without any problems at all. It works with the authorities, it works with its neighbours if needs be.

“We are judging Asda here by other people’s standards and not Asda’s standards. We have an awful lot of experience of doing this and we have a track record of doing it without any difficulty whatsoever.”

Pictured top: The new store is planned for the old Lloyds Bank building in Blackheath Village (Picture: Google Street View)