16.28 Off-Licence and Part Off-Licence

(See also Appendix 3 – Category 1 and 2 Streets)

In considering planning applications for offlicence premises or extensions to existing off-licence premises, the following criteria shall be applied: ­

  • The number and frequency of such facilities within a 1 km radius of the proposed development ­
  • The context and character of the street where the aim is to maintain and improve the vitality of the shopping experience by encouraging a range of convenience and/or comparison retail shops 
  • The range of uses at ground floor in an area where the aim is to strengthen the retail character and ensure the proposal will not result in a proliferation of similar retail service outlets such as, internet cafés, call centres, bookmakers, takeaways, amusement arcades and car rentals resulting in a predominance of similar non-shop frontages ­
  • The size of the proposed off-licence in the context of the size of premises in the area.

In considering planning applications for a part off-licence in a shop, the following criteria shall be applied: ­

  • The number and frequency of such facilities within a 1 km radius of the proposed development
  • The amenities of properties in the nearby residential areas ­
  • The floor area used for the display of alcohol products is subsidiary to the main use of the shop and that area should be no more than 10% of the total floor area ­
  • The location of the display area of alcohol products shall be in an unobtrusive position, not near the entrance or windows of the shop and preferably to the rear of the premises ­
  • The area for the display of alcohol products shall be detailed on the floor plans and the display of alcohol products shall be limited to this area only ­
  • The area for the display of alcohol products should be secure and monitored.

In the case where a grant of planning permission is considered, the provision will be strictly regulated, and regard shall be given to the need to impose the following conditions: ­

  • Limiting the display area of alcohol products to that area of the shop only as detailed on the plans
  • No advertising of the sale of alcohol products on the façade/frontage of the premises ­
  • No display of alcohol products or advertising of the sale of alcohol products on or near both the entrance and the windows.