Co-Op Resolves Row Over Drinks Licence At Gunnersbury Store
Review of store licence dropped following action on shoplifting and security
Chiswick High Road Co-op
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Co-Op Gunnersbury, and local residents appear to have resolved the issue of anti-social behaviour and shoplifting at the store. Locals had requested a review of the store's licence unless management introduced better security measures in the shop.
A meeting of Hounslow Council Licensing Panel was due to discuss the issue (18 February) but the item on the Co-Op was taken off the agenda before the meeting.
A spokesperson in the store said measures had been taken and the issue resolved.
We have asked Hounslow Council for an update on the situation.
Locals had complained last November to Hounslow Council and to Ruth Cadbury saying they were fearful of shopping at the store on Chiswick High Road, because of groups gathering nearby to drink alcohol which had been stolen from the store. This had led to locals feeling intimidated and they wanted the store to increase its security.
They accused Co-Op of "putting profits before community relations" by failing to address their concerns, despite its claim to be a company which engages with local communities.
The supermarket group said it had introduced a full time security presence in response to complaints that lack of security had led to shoplifting and anti-social behaviour.
A statement from Co-Op said (then) that retail crime was at the highest level for 12 years and Co-op was doing everything it could to protect colleagues, members and customers and ensure their safety.
Local residents had complained that an alleyway near Silver Crescent had become populated by 'down and outs and criminals', who steal alcohol from the store easily because of a lack of security. The locals threatened to oppose the store's licence to sell alcohol unless an attachment was included specifying that the store should provide full-time security.
Shoplifting is an ongoing problem for all the major stores in the Chiswick area.
The traders' alliance is discussing how to best share information so they can warn each other about shoplifters operating in the area.
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February 21, 2020