Provisional alcohol licences have been granted for two new Co-op stores on Scalloway and Sandwick, Shetland, despite concerns about “potential overprovision”.
Reports suggest NHS Shetland had responded to the licence applications by saying they would represent a “huge increase” in the availability of off-sales alcohol in the areas.
The response said: “Off-sales alcohol are known to be more harmful than on-sales because the alcohol is then consumed in an unregulated environment.”
The health board also raised concern about the alcohol aisle and the beer, wine and spirits promotions close to the checkouts.
A representative for Co-op, Eilidh McGuire, said the placement of alcohol in Co-op stores has been “carefully considered” for years, according to the reports.
She said having alcohol at the back of store does not provide the “benefits” that is hoped and having alcohol closer to tills can increase monitoring and also the promotion of licensing objectives.
Councillors said they had sympathy for NHS Shetland’s views, but the licensing board granted the seven day a week, 10am to 10pm provisional licences at the meeting.
The stores are expected to open in late 2023 or early in 2024.
