Dracula’s House, a new establishment on London Road in Brighton, has sparked concern among local residents and officials following its application for a licence to sell alcohol. The proposed hours for alcohol sales are from 8am to 9pm Monday to Saturday, and from 9am to 6pm on Sundays. Despite the owners’ intention to focus on Romanian products, including food and alcohol, the licensing application has met significant opposition.
Thirteen local residents have voiced their objections, alongside Green councillor Sue Shanks, who represents the Westhill and North Laine ward. The concerns largely stem from the existing high concentration of off-licences in the area, which have contributed to a myriad of social issues. In a district already grappling with problems linked to anti-social behaviour and street drinking, Shanks commented, “Residents and I are concerned about the amount of alcohol available in London Road.” This apprehension is echoed by other community members, such as Ashok Lenkala, who described the impact of weekend drinking in the area, noting the prevalence of litter and public urination.
Historically, the council has shown hesitation in granting new off-licence applications, with recent refusals underscoring this policy. For instance, the Co-op's application in August 2020 for a new shop was rejected due to concerns about saturation in the local market. Similarly, a request by R&A Global Store for a licence catering to specialist African and Caribbean products was declined in April 2022. The council's trend suggests a commitment to maintaining stability and safety in a neighbourhood already burdened with issues related to alcohol sales.
Data from Sussex Police paints a worrying picture: over a recent 12-month period, the area surrounding London Road recorded 469 incidents, predominantly violent crimes. This backdrop of crime dramatically shapes the debate surrounding new alcohol licences, as seen in past applications by other establishments seeking extended operating hours, including a KFC and a local takeaway, both of which faced licensing objections under similar circumstances due to public safety concerns.
In response to community apprehensions, the Cimpoesus have proposed conditions to mitigate potential risks associated with their licence. They intend to limit their offerings to Romanian alcohol products, ensuring that no more than 5 per cent of their stock comprises alcoholic beverages. Additionally, all alcohol will be kept behind the counter, which aligns with practices seen in other successful applications, such as Tesco's recent licence acquisition in Western Road where stringent conditions and community agreements facilitated a smoother approval process.
Councillor Shanks remains skeptical, suggesting the predisposition of the local council to refuse off-licence applications is warranted by the area's existing challenges with late-night drinking and drug use. There exists a palpable tension between promoting diverse cultural offerings and safeguarding the community’s well-being, as evidenced by the widespread local opposition to further alcohol outlets.
While the Cimpoesus have expressed a willingness to collaborate with local residents to address these concerns, the road ahead may be fraught with challenges. The licensing panel is expected to deliver its decision within five working days, a result that could significantly influence both the immediate future of Dracula’s House and the broader dynamic of alcohol licensing in Brighton.
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Source: Noah Wire Services