Bid to call time on booze bid at new town store

Keith and Angelena Johnson purchased the former Yeomans outdoor leisure outlet at 51/53 High Street earlier this year and are busy converting it into a Tesco One Shop store.

The premises, set to open next month, will employ 12 part-time and full-time members of staff.

The couple has submitted an application to a meeting of Friday’s Scottish Borders Licensing Board for permission to sell alcohol to be consumed off the premises from 10am to 10pm each day of the week.

The bid received one objection from Andrew Bannerman, owner of Teviot Wines at Tower Knowe in Hawick.

His concern is related to what he labels the “over-provision of alcohol sales within central Hawick”.

In his submission for the licensing board’s consideration, Mr Bannerman adds: “Significant concerns were already raised when Aldi applied for a licence which was marginally approved.

“Since then a further licence has been approved for Home Bargains. This would indicate that the over-provision requirements of a town the size of Hawick have been surpassed and therefore no further licences should be granted.”

The submitted application says the outlet will normally trade between 6am and 11pm, with the applicant’s statement adding: “The premises may engage in food to go, a deli counter and mail services may also be provided. As a community retailer the premises may also on occasion host community and charity/fundraising events, product launches, tastings, demonstrations and community initiatives.”