Richmond Council has approved an alcohol licence for convenience store Grab & Go on George Street, despite opposition from local residents and community groups.

The decision was made by the Council's Licensing Sub-Committee today (Friday, 8 August), following a meeting on Monday, 4 August that included evidence from the store's owner, Ajmeet Dang, and objections from residents and associations.

Grab & Go, on George Street, had initially sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays and until midnight Monday to Thursday.

After discussions with police, Mr Dang amended the application to 8am–11pm daily.

The committee ultimately granted the licence, but imposed stricter conditions.

Alcohol sales will now be limited to:

• Monday to Saturday: 8am–10pm
• Sunday: 10am–10pm

Opening hours for the store will remain until midnight Monday to Thursday, 1am Friday and Saturday, and 11pm on Sundays.

The sub-committee stated that granting the licence with conditions was "appropriate and proportionate" after weighing up the licensing objectives of preventing crime, protecting children, and avoiding public nuisance.

Key conditions include:

• Alcohol to be locked away behind shutters when not on sale.
• On rugby event days, the store must comply with any police requirements, including suspending alcohol sales entirely.
• All alcohol products to be marked with UV pen identification to trace litter or anti-social behaviour.

The council also noted Richmond's Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and the pressures this brings, especially during large events.

Mr Dang told the committee: "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 the police, I voluntarily reduced the alcohol sales hours to address concerns from both them and local residents."

He also confirmed there would be no sale of alcohol cans or miniatures, and no discounts or promotions on alcohol.

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

Eight formal objections were lodged against the application, six from residents and two from community associations.

Representing the Friends of Richmond Green (FoRG) and The Richmond Society, Peter Willan told the committee: "There is already a significant issue with anti-social behaviour and shoplifting in Richmond.

"Richmond Green is often littered with bottles and cans on weekend mornings, and adding another alcohol outlet will only worsen the problem.

"Within the Cumulative Impact Zone, another alcohol licence is not appropriate. We already have more than enough outlets near the station and town centre."

When asked about busy rugby event days, Mr Dang said the store would operate with three staff instead of two and would comply with police instructions if early closure was requested.

On the council's condition to mark alcohol with UV ink, Mr Dang said he was "open to the idea" but noted that larger retailers do not use this system.

Mr Dang also acknowledged that while alcohol sales were "not essential" to the store's survival, they formed a significant part of the business model.

He explained: "It is difficult to survive on food margins alone in this area."

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