Woodwares closing / Sainsburys coming to Portobello

[lg1726]

[bearcub]

A friend who has served on a Council licencing committee tells me that the number of licences to sell alcohol in the area isn't something they take into account when deciding whether to approve a new licence or not, which to me sounds like objecting on the grounds of over-provision is a bit of a waste of time.

Thinking about it, telling a shop they can't sell alcohol just because another shop already does might get a council in trouble for restricting their freedom to trade?

[type28]

I can’t wait until Sainsbury’s arrive. The shop will be clean. The products for sale within their sell by date. The shelves with alcohol on them will not be stocked with cheap cider and strong beer and I would wager you will not be able to buy “single” cigarettes at the counter.

[lg1726]

[Porty]

It is a pity that there's not a licensing policy for "Serial Objectors"- Porty has a significant over provision.

[lg1726]

[fresian]

Why don't they just open a Sauna on the site instead. At least they will only have one objector to deal with!!!

[lg1726]

[seanie]

Revised on the Planning Portal.

[seashell]

It says the document isn't available yet, Sean.
Is there much change to the original?

[seanie]

Try the link again. It worked initially for me but then didn't, so I've re=done it.

Or try the following;

https://citydev-portal.edinburgh.gov.uk ... W5ZEWLO000

[wangi]

Attached, the planning portal isn't a good neighbour when it comes to direct linking docs!

[wangi]

And a crop of the main detail:

[seashell]

thank you.

Looks very nice.

[Sceptic]

How do they describe the main colour? PAVED Gray?

[fresian]

lg wrote Who would that one objector be pray tell - do tell!?

Someone who already has an acronym for Portobello Against Sleazy Saunas

[fresian]

Wangi,

I reckon the orange "Local" on the maroon background is definately not in keeping with the rest of Porty.

[wangi]

It's an officially sanctioned shade of orange I hear - they use on the sign for Porty Baths too

[lg1726]

Sainsbury's alcohol licence granted by a unanimous vote at the board today. Diana Cairns and Stephen Hawkins gave representations objecting to their application and I gave representation in support (unprecedented I was told!).

An earlier case involving Tesco resulted in some considerable debate about the CEC policy on over provision not being sufficiently robust, so that may have helped. DC/SH were on the too many off sales message, but my argument was the issue of looking to get more responsible traders and to support those who could demonstrate and resource development, implementation and monitoring of robust and stringent under age sales policies and this was a significant factor in making this specific case decision!!

Planning application next, I think 05 December! I want an lg1726 check-out and you are welcome to use it!

[wangi]

Thanks for the update LG!

[Porty]

Well done Lg.

Did Stephen and Diana speak individually or just sing their objection song. (Christmas version)

[lg1726]

[Bob Jefferson]

I think it's a really important point and well done to you for making it. I was approached just the other night in Porty High Street by a young person who was clearly nowhere near 18, asking if I would buy alcohol for him.

[Porty]

That's the usual. MO from the duo. What figure did theyy claim for the number of off licences on Porty High St?

The song is actuallyquite good. Sung to the tune of Amy Winehouse "Rehab" it's titled "Permission".

[lg1726]

[Makaveli]

Seriously what is their problem? I would like to know why they feel the need to object to everything!!!!

I don't think people realise the lasting damage they are doing to Portobello and I fear it will be too late by the time folk notice!!!

[lg1726]

[lg1726]

[Porty]

DC.would nott like you being there as it impairs the opportunity for making stuff up and pretending it's true.

I've long wondered why one of Sean's pet expressions is clusterfuck. Think it's just a coincidence.

[seashell]

Many thanks, lg - you put forward a coherent and compelling case.
I have no doubt that DC is just seen as a serial objector, which will not do her "causes" any good at all.
you deserve that dedicated lane - hey - maybe you should be invited to do the official opening!

[wangi]

[wangi]

They talk about the hospital admissions for Portobello/Craigmillar, but when you look closely at the ISD stats for NHS Scotland http://www.alcoholinformation.isdscotla ... n_2011.pdf . it's apparent that there is a very distinct difference across this very varied area http://edinburghadp.co.uk/Resources/Loc ... millar.pdf - Niddrie and Craigmillar are well above the Edinburgh and Scotland average for alcohol related hospital admissions and alcohol related deaths, but Portobello and particularly Joppa are well below and this waas the point of the discussion around how they use data in respect of the issue of over-provision to look at applications. They also use a 500m distance and population density as a measure, but if you apply that to its conclusion, then given the stated number of off sales on our High Street, our health stats do not support the over provision argument and that was their challenge in terms of the Tesco application and given that they had granted that one, they had little choice but to follow through with this one! The convenor and the clerk acknowledged that CEC policy on over provision was not sufficiently robust and Dr Sherval stated that NHS Lothian do not have the resources to provide figures down to the level Diana Cairns et al were suggesting! I think I saw a reporter in the room and DC clearly nobbled him - poor bloke!

[fresian]

LG, It was nice to see such a well balanced report, DC gets a mention, including her usual spin, yet no mention of your representation to the committee.

[lg1726]

[Bob Jefferson]

Do we know how many letters of support v letters of objection were received?