New Selsey Premier Store Approved To Sell Alcohol Despite Local Concerns

A new shop in Selsey has been granted permission to sell alcohol, despite objections from residents and Sussex Police.

The Hillfield Stores premises on Hillfield Road, part of the Premier franchise and not yet open, had applied for a licence to sell alcohol. Initially, owners Diana and Kavi Thas, who run three other Premier stores in Chichester, Bognor, and Worthing, requested hours of 7am–11pm Monday to Saturday and 8am–10pm on Sundays.

The hours were reduced to 8am–10pm every day following the hearing.

The licensing sub-committee received seven objections, citing concerns over noise, anti-social behaviour, parking, road safety, and the impact on local families.

Some residents also claimed a covenant prevented alcohol sales, but officials confirmed this was outside the committee’s remit.

As part of the licence, the store has agreed to Sussex Police conditions including:

• No sale of individual cans of beer, lager, or cider

• CCTV inside and outside the store, recording at all times and stored for at least 31 days

• All spirits kept behind the counter

• A log of incidents, including refused sales

• Operation of a Challenge 25 policy

Mrs Thas will act as the Designated Premises Supervisor.

Neighbours gave sometimes emotional statements at the hearing, raising worries about anti-social behaviour and parking, and expressed scepticism about signage reminders for considerate parking.