Richmond Council's Licensing Sub-Committee convened on Monday, 4 August to hear an application from Grab & Go, a convenience store at 57–58 George Street, seeking a new premises licence to sell alcohol.

The store, owned by Ajmeet Dang, had initially proposed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays and until midnight from Monday to Thursday.

However, following discussions with police, the application was amended to reduce alcohol sales hours to 8am–11pm daily.

Mr Dang addressed the committee, saying: "I come to this application with deep experience in the convenience sector.

"I've managed stores for over 15 years, including as an area manager for the Co-op where I oversaw more than 120 locations.

"After speaking with PC Joel Culwitt, the licensing officer at Twickenham Police Station, I voluntarily amended the proposed alcohol sales hours to 8am–11pm daily to address concerns from police and residents."

The revised application still drew opposition, with eight formal objections submitted, six from local residents and two from community associations.

Mr Dang attempted to reassure councillors, explaining: "We will not sell alcohol cans or miniatures, and there will be no promotions or discounts on alcohol.

"We are not trying to undercut anyone; alcohol will be sold at full price. The aim is to mirror other local stores like Tesco Express, which already operate within these hours."

Cllrs raised several questions during the hearing.

Cllr Rob O'Carroll asked if Grab & Go would use shutters to block alcohol access after 11pm.

Mr Dang said that while it had not been planned, it could be considered.

Grab & Go site plan (credit: Richmond Council).

Cllr Jonathan Cardy asked how the store handles busy event days in Richmond.

Mr Dang responded: "It gets extremely busy, but if the licence is granted, we'll have three staff working on event days instead of two."

Cllr Cardy also suggested marking cans or miniatures with UV ink to help trace any underage alcohol use or littering.

Mr Dang said he was "open to the idea" but noted that such measures are not used by larger retailers like Tesco or Sainsbury's.

Cllr Lesley Pollesche asked about the shop's stock ratio. Mr Dang confirmed that approximately 30% of the shop's stock would be alcohol.

When asked whether the store would be willing to close early on rugby event days if asked by police, Mr Dang said it would comply.

Representing the Friends of Richmond Green (FoRG) and The Richmond Society, resident Peter Willan voiced strong objections.

He said: "There is already a significant issue with anti-social behaviour and shoplifting in Richmond. Public resources are stretched, and there are no public toilets.

"Adding another alcohol outlet in the town centre, especially within the Cumulative Impact Zone, is not appropriate.

"We already have several alcohol retailers like Tesco and Marks & Spencer near the station. We believe that's more than enough. Richmond Green is often littered with bottles and cans on weekend mornings, and this application will only worsen that."

Mr Dang responded: "I recognise the concerns raised around the Cumulative Impact Zone.

"While the original application didn't reference it in detail, I've since taken steps to meet and exceed those expectations."

On the proportion of alcohol sales, Mr Dang acknowledged: "It's not essential, but alcohol sales are a significant part of our business model. Food margins alone are difficult to sustain in this area."

Richmond Council's Licensing Committee is expected to make a decision on the application in due course.

To read the full application click here.

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