Item 7.17 - Spar - Kevin Gallagher Objection Redacted
West Dunbartonshire Council · 16 June 2026
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Applicant's Name: hill brown licensing on behalf of IA Real Estate Ltd 108 Royston Road Glasgow g21 2nu company No. SC619749 Premises Address: Postcode House Name Flat House Number Street Area Town Postcode g81 1bz spar 50 north elgin street clydebank glasgow g81 1bz Application Details: application for provisional premise licence Please detail what you are lodging: an objection Details of objection/representation: To the Members of the Licensing Board, I am writing to formally object to the grant of a new Premises Licence for SPAR at 50 North Elgin Street, Clydebank, G81 1BZ. This objection is submitted under Sections 23(5)(c), 23(5)(d) and 23(5)(e) of the Licensing (Scotland) Act 2005. Grounds of Objection Section 23(5)(c): Granting the application would be inconsistent with the Licensing Objectives Section 23(5)(d): The premises are unsuitable for the sale of alcohol having regard to the location, character and persons likely to frequent the premises Section 23(5)(e): Granting the application would contribute to overprovision of licensed premises within the locality Protecting and Improving Public Health West Dunbartonshire has suffered from alcohol-related harm for many years and continues to experience levels of alcohol-related hospital admissions and alcohol-specific deaths significantly above the Scottish average. Evidence submitted to licensing authorities has shown that West Dunbartonshire has some of the highest levels of alcohol-related harm in Scotland, with alcohol- related hospital admissions and mortality rates substantially above national levels. Research has also demonstrated a clear relationship between the availability of alcohol and alcohol-related harm within the local authority area. (Crystal Roof) The purpose of licensing legislation is not merely to regulate the sale of alcohol but to protect communities from the harms associated with excessive alcohol availability. Given the existing health challenges facing the area, I do not believe that another alcohol outlet is necessary or beneficial. Crime, Disorder and Public Safety Research conducted in West Dunbartonshire found that neighbourhoods with the highest concentration of alcohol outlets experienced significantly higher levels of crime than those with fewer outlets. Increased availability of alcohol is associated with higher levels of antisocial behaviour, violence, vandalism, public disorder and alcohol-related offending.
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Residents already experience concerns relating to public nuisance, street drinking, littering and antisocial behaviour. Granting an additional alcohol licence risks increasing these problems and would be contrary to the licensing objectives of preventing crime and disorder and securing public safety. Alcohol misuse is also recognised as a significant contributing factor in many incidents of domestic abuse and violence within Scotland. While not every drinker causes harm, there is substantial evidence linking excessive alcohol consumption with increased risks of domestic violence, family breakdown and harm within the home. Licensing decisions should take into account these wider community impacts. Children and Young Persons One of my greatest concerns is the impact that a new alcohol outlet may have on children and young people in the surrounding community. The premises are situated within a residential area where families live and where children regularly travel to and from schools, childcare facilities, parks and community facilities. There are a number of educational and childcare establishments serving the wider Clydebank area, including nurseries, early learning centres and schools attended by local children. (West Dunbartonshire Council) As a member of the local community, I believe children should be able to walk through their neighbourhood without increased exposure to alcohol advertising, alcohol sales and the negative consequences that can arise from alcohol misuse. The Licensing (Scotland) Act specifically requires the protection of children and young persons from harm. Introducing another alcohol outlet into an area already affected by alcohol-related health and social problems risks undermining that objective. Character of the Area and Suitability of the Premises North Elgin Street is not an isolated commercial location. It is part of an established residential community where families, older residents and vulnerable people live. The surrounding area includes housing, community facilities and services used by local residents on a daily basis. (Rightmove) I respectfully submit that the location is not suitable for the further expansion of alcohol availability. The character of the area is residential in nature and additional alcohol sales are likely to have a disproportionate impact on local residents compared with any claimed benefit. Overprovision I further object under Section 23(5)(e). The Licensing Board has previously recognised concerns regarding alcohol-related harm and the concentration of licensed premises within West Dunbartonshire. Evidence has shown that the area already has a substantial number of off-sales premises and significant alcohol availability. Introducing another licensed outlet would add to this provision and would be contrary to the objectives of reducing alcohol-related harm and promoting community wellbeing. The existence of high levels of alcohol-related illness, crime, antisocial behaviour and deprivation strongly suggests that the community does not require additional access to alcohol. Instead, the
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focus should be on reducing harm rather than increasing availability. Personal Statement This objection is not made out of opposition to local businesses. I support investment in the community and welcome businesses that provide essential goods and services. However, I genuinely believe that granting a new alcohol licence at this location would be a mistake. Too many families in West Dunbartonshire have already experienced the devastating consequences of alcohol misuse, including addiction, poor health, domestic abuse, crime and antisocial behaviour. As residents, we want our neighbourhoods to be safe places where children can grow up free from unnecessary exposure to alcohol-related harm. We want healthier communities, lower crime, less antisocial behaviour and better outcomes for future generations. For these reasons, I respectfully request that the Licensing Board refuse this application. Yours faithfully, Kevin Gallagher If you are making a representation and there are modifications which could be made to the Operating Plan or conditions which you feel could be imposed which would address your concerns, please provide details : Title: First Name: Kevin Surname: Gallagher Address: Postcode House Name Flat House Number Street Area Town Postcode Contact Number: Email Address: Name: Kevin Gallagher Date: 29/05/2026 Capacity: