Selling booze is the only way to survive claims the new owner of a Sheffield post office – but the granting of a 24-hour alcohol licence has divided opinion.
Broomhill post office is set to partly become a convenience store in a move Nirujan Alponce Thavarasa says will secure its future.
A meeting held by Sheffield city council on 11 March gave Mr Thavarasa permission to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, causing division and concerns in the community.
Ward councillor Brian Holmshaw objected to this decision. He said “Availability of alcohol for every minute of every day is going to do damage to the overall health of local communities and the crime and bad behavior in the local community will increase.”
Cllr Holmshaw also addressed his fears of the community becoming “a second West Street” adding that “this will spread the resources of drink and drug services and the police even more thinly.”
Many locals agreed with this statement, displeased with their local area possibly becoming more vulnerable to antisocial behavior and late night noise.
Sheffield resident, Karen Thistlethwaite said: “Opening 24 hours will just attract drunks and noise at a time most people are sleeping. How would you feel if you were trying to sleep?”
Mr Thavarasa, 26, informed the licensing committee he expects his customers at this time to be mainly locals and hospital workers.
His solicitor Lohi Loganathan said: “There is an option for the police if we don’t keep to conditions to revoke our licence.”
Mr Thavarasa also pointed out the post office’s need for additional income due to “massive increase” in the rent.
The monthly rent was previously £800 however has been increased to £2,200 meaning if he does not take over the business will be forced to close, leaving five employees jobless and Broomhill without a post office.
Mr Thavarasa has said that without the 24 hour off licence there was no way the post office would survive.
Stephen Singleton, a Broomhill resident for 60 years, pointed out the increased closure of post offices in the area.
He said: “I’m very happy if the 24 hour sale of alcohol keeps my local post office open.”
