Council Imposes New Conditions on S&F Food and Wine License

Peterborough City Council has introduced new conditions on the liquor licence of S&F Food and Wine after the shop sold alcohol to intoxicated individuals. The council’s decision, made on August 6, 2023, follows a request from the Cambridgeshire Constabulary to consider revoking the shop’s licence due to concerns over its contribution to anti-social behaviour.

The licensing sub-committee reviewed a report indicating that S&F Food and Wine, located at 48 Lincoln Road, had been “enabling anti-social behaviour” by selling alcohol to street drinkers and intoxicated customers. This behaviour reportedly had a “detrimental effect” on the quality of life for local residents.

During the meeting, it was revealed that police and council licensing officers intervened on May 22 when they observed the designated premises supervisor, Rita Troinikova, about to serve an intoxicated man. A similar incident was noted in September 2022 when officers witnessed a street drinker purchasing alcohol, despite warnings from a shop assistant about the area’s anti-social behaviour.

Concerns have also been raised in the past regarding potential underage sales at the establishment. The shop operates within a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) zone, which aims to combat alcohol-related anti-social behaviour in the area.

In response to these issues, the licensing sub-committee proposed several conditions to be added to the shop’s licence instead of opting for suspension or revocation. These conditions include limiting alcohol sales to 10 percent of the shop’s overall area, prohibiting the sale of super strength alcohol, and banning the sale of alcohol in individual vessels. Additionally, the shop must install and maintain a comprehensive CCTV system and keep a log of refused alcohol sales.

Troinikova and her husband attended the licensing meeting and agreed to the new conditions. Cllr Steve Allen, chair of the licensing sub-committee, stated that the licence holder expressed regret over the incidents and has been working to address the situation. He emphasized the importance of responsible licensing, noting, “We take the view that revoking the licence is not appropriate in this instance.”

S&F Food and Wine now has three weeks to appeal the council’s decision.