Bohemia Village Voice

Site of the proposed Bohemia Foodmarket and Off-license.

The Bohemia Area Association definitely does not want another off licence premises. At an extraordinary committee meeting at the Red Cross Hall in Newgate Road on Tuesday 1 August 2006, the BAA resolved to write a strong letter of objection to Hastings Borough Council, and encouraged anyone with similar feelings to do likewise. One BAA member remarked that “Half a dozen alcoholics used to use this area – some are now dead, and the rest seem to have gone. Will cheap booze bring them back?”

Peter Holland, chairman of the BAA, said “Nine years ago when I came to live in Bohemia, there was a big problem with alcoholics. Now there isn’t – now it doesn’t seem any worse than any other area of the country. There are fifteen outlets within a mile that currently sell alcohol. Do we really need yet another? It’s easier to buy alcohol than a postage stamp. Once premises are granted a licence it’s very difficult to remove it.”

Vivienne Bond, (Lib-Dem councillor for Gensing ward), said “Mr Iqbal needs a premises licence. He already has a licence in his own right to sell alcohol. Any grounds for objecting to a licence being granted are very specific. In fact, there are only four possible reasons for objecting to the issuing of a licence: 1. the prevention of crime and disorder. 2. Public safety. 3. The prevention of public nuisance. 4. the protection of children from harm. Vivienne intends to write a letter in her capacity as a resident of Bohemia to object to the licence. “I understand the police will be objecting to this licence being granted,” she said. “All objections must be lodged by the 17 August. The Council’s decision will be made on the 10 October 2006, when all letters of objection will be made available. Mr Iqbal will be in attendance.” The full details (all 14 pages) of the regulations concerning applications for licences can be found at www.hastings.gov.uk/licensing/licensing-act2003.aspx

Keith Woods raised the subject of under-aged cigarette buyers and said that a firm policy of no sale to under sixteens paid off – eventually the kids stop coming in to try to buy cigarettes. What, he asked, would be the policy of Bohemia Foodmarket?

The application which was made public last week reads:

“Licensing Act 2003. Premises Licence Application. Application for a Premises Licence. Notice is hereby given that on the 21 July 2006, an application was made to Hastings Borough Council by Masood Iqbal, 237 Wishing Tree Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN38 9LA, to obtain a premises licence for the premises known as Bohemia Foodmarket, 68-70, Bohemia Road, St Leonards, Susses, TN37 6RQ, in the following respects: for supply of alcohol off the premises Monday to Saturday 8:00 to 22:00, Sunday 10:00 to 22:00. Any person wishing to make representations about this application for variation should write to the Executive Director, Environment & Safety, Hastings Borough Council, Century House, 100, Menzies Road, St Leonards, Sussex, TN38 9BB, within twenty eight days of the application date shown above.”

Mr Iqbal used to own Mary’s Foodmarket in Bohemia. It is believed that it was named after his wife, Mary.

• In attendance at the Bohemia Area Association meeting were: Peter Holland (chair), Jeanette Holland, Vivienne Bond, Vic Chalcraft, Mike Cramp, Rosemary Iddenden, Keith Wood, Iris Schofield, John L Humphries, Charles Levett, Terry Foord, Eileen Fermour, Steve Mann and Monty Modlinger who arrived just as the meeting ended.