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Liverpool Echo
Liverpool Echo
National
Liam Thorp

Liverpool and Everton match day booze plan sparks concerns

Concerns have been raised about plans for a new alcohol venue to serve match-going Liverpool and Everton fans.

Drinks company Hops and Barley Ltd has asked Liverpool Council for a premises licence to potentially create a drinking area in front of its current site on Belmont Road for fans heading to matches at Anfield and Goodison Park.

Hops and Barley is a family-run drinks wholesaler that sells alcohol to businesses and people in Liverpool and the wider region.

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The company is headquartered in the Belmont Road area, not far from Anfield Stadium.

In its application to the city council, Hops and Barley have requested a premises licence for an area of land fronting the Belmont Road site.

The report states that this would be for the "siting of a container and area set aside for covered seating."

It adds: "The area for covered seating to be used for a period of three hours prior to kick of any match day for EFC or LFC."

The plan would see alcohol sold on and off the premises.

Further into the plans it states that after discussions with Merseyside Police, the application for the on-premises licence will only relate to Liverpool FC matches and not Everton home games.

Not everyone is happy with the plans.

In a statement, the local area's residents group raised strong objections.

The statement said: "As chair of the residents group I am strongly objecting to the proposed plans for sales of alcohol on off premises.

"This business already impacts dreadfully on the residents living here.

"The noise and pollution by cars, vans and delivery lorries affects peoples health and well-being.

"It is an area blighted with Anti Social Behaviour and alcoholism.

"The drinks purchased from these containers will be fans walking to and from the stadium. It’s a cocktail for trouble.

"Who will police it making sure hours adhered to? What about the cans and bottles that will be left in the roads.

"Alcoholism impacts on families, resource and more importantly the NHS . We cannot allow or encourage it by allowing this planning application to go through."

A decision on whether the licence is granted or not will be made at a meeting on February 3.

Hops and Barley Ltd was approached for a response.

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