A public protection body has expressed its opposition to plans to sell alcohol at a new food hall due to open at a shopping centre. Shared Regulatory Services (SRS) has advised Cardiff Council to object to an application for a premises licence at Kommune, which looks set to open its doors at the Capitol Shopping Centre in Cardiff after planning permission was granted in February. Read more about that here.
If granted the licence would allow the food hall to sell alcohol, stage live music events, and show films. It is proposed that the premises should be allowed to stay open until 11.30pm from Sunday to Thursday and until midnight on Fridays and Saturdays.
SRS fears that adding another premises licence in the city centre could add to problems of antisocial behaviour related to excessive drinking in the area. Kommune, which first opened in Sheffield in 2019, is a mixed-use space where independent traders can sell their produce whether that be street food, ice cream, craft beer, or coffee.
Read more: Cardiff pub's application for longer hours met with opposition over anti-social behaviour fears
In its letter to Cardiff Council SRS said it appreciates that Kommune is a mixed-use space and that entertainment and leisure are "vital" to a "thriving society". However, the letter added, "anti-social behaviour problems experienced within the city are linked to the late-night element of the industry which can contribute significantly to the fear of crime, economic deprivation and a loss of pride in the local area". It went on: "The licensing committee must be mindful of these factors and seek to ensure that a fair balance is struck between the provision of facilities and the possibility of nuisance being caused." SRS also noted that each application will be considered on its merits.
It is hoped the introduction of the food hall would breathe much-needed life into the Capitol Shopping Centre, which has seen a number of its units vacated over the years. You can read more about the current state of Queen Street here. The applicants have also made it clear that the food hall will be a social space intended for families, special interest groups, and members of the public who may wish to eat and drink.
They added in their application: "It is our intention to discourage any groups likely to cause a public nuisance." Kommune will move into the units previously occupied by Poundworld and Spiffing. Cardiff Council's licensing sub-committee will make a decision on the licensing application for Kommune on Wednesday, September 28.
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