Off-sales consider appeal

Oct 29 2008 by Douglas Dickie, Rutherglen Reformer

Off-sales consider appeal

THE company behind plans for another off-sales on Rutherglen Main Street have just two weeks to appeal the decision to refuse a licence.

G101 had hoped to put a shop in the unit at 70 Main Street, but the Rutherglen and Cambuslang Licensing Board rejected the application at a hearing earlier this month.

It had been thought the company would have to appeal within 14 days of the hearing, but they have applied for a Statement of Reasons detailing why the decision was made, giving them extra time for any appeal. That was due to be sent out yesterday (Tuesday October 28).

A council spokesperson for the licencing board confirmed: “The deadline for appeal is 14 days from the date the Statement of Reasons which is due to be sent out on 28 October 2008 is received by the Applicant's agent."

No-one at G101 was able to comment meaning it remains unclear whether they will challenge the decision of the board.

Locals had been left furious at the plans, which they said would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour in and around the Main Street. Many who lived nearby said they had experienced problems with drunks and under-age drinkers when the shop had previously been a Haddows.

Their appeal gathered powerful support with Rutherglen and Hamilton West MP Tommy McAvoy speaking out against the plans at the board hearing.

G101 say that the shop would essentially be a grocery store, with only a very small section of floor space given up to alcohol, about 15 per cent.

They also say they operate a strict Prove It 21 policy and their CCTV cameras would actually make the Main Street safer.