A LANDLADY's warning that a new Morrisons could call last orders on her pub, has fallen on deaf ears.
Kay Glossop, who owns the Orchard pub in Orchard Way, had told members of the council's licensing sub-committee that if the proposed M store next to her pub was allowed a late night alcohol licence it would have a severe impact on her trade.
But she was quickly warned by committee chair Councillor Maria Gatland that the question of commercial competition could not feature in any discussions over the granting of a licence.
The sub-committee also rejected fears raised by Mrs Glossop that the late licence, from 6am to midnight, would attract young people into the area leading to an increase in antisocial behaviour.
Members had heard from Richard Taylor, solicitor for Morrisons, there were no objections to the licence from the police or other nearby residents.
Mr Taylor also promised the premises would be monitored inside and out by CCTV and that staff would be trained to move on any youths hanging around and looking like they might cause trouble.
Mr Taylor had earlier told the sub-committee the opening hours of the shop would normally be 7am to 11pm.
And he pointed the existing small supermarket had an alcohol licence operating from 8am to 11pm on Mondays to Saturdays and 10am to 10.30pm on Sundays.
He rejected a suggestion from Cllr Gatland that the company could consider falling into line with the new council licensing policy for stores which limits the sale of alcohol to 8am to 11.30pm.
The Morrisons' application was submitted before the changes were introduced and is not governed by the new rules.
After the hearing, Mrs Glossop said: "I knew I really didn't have a chance of winning but I was not going to let this go without a fight."
She pointed out that the existing store closed at around 8pm on weekdays and 6pm on Sundays and therefore did not affect her business.
The late licence for Morrisons would take customers, looking for drink at prices she could not offer, away from the pub.
Mrs Glossop claimed the decision to go into direct competition late at night was an example of greed displayed by large organisations, who took no notice of problems they caused other businesses.
She said: "I am already struggling and I think that in a year's time this could be an example of another pub gone."
Morrisons have not set a date for the opening of the new shop
