Luxury chocolate retailer Hotel Chocolat has been approved to serve alcohol at its new Richmond store after facing opposition from local community group Friends of Richmond Green, who were concerned about potential disturbances. Despite initial calls for stricter limitations, the Richmond Council ultimately granted permission for alcohol sales from 9am to 9pm, with planned exclusive tasting events throughout the year. Additional conditions were implemented to address community concerns, including limits on tasting events, ID checks for younger attendees, and restrictions on free samples during local rugby matches.
Local group Friends of Richmond Green expressed concerns, worried about the possibility of drunk customers disturbing neighbours, highlighting the community's desire for stricter regulations.
Hotel Chocolat's licensing expert assured that the alcohol offered for takeaway would be weaker and in smaller bottles than those from nearby shops.
Council chiefs determined that Hotel Chocolat isn't primarily alcohol-focused, adding that extra safeguards, including a ban on free samples during rugby days, were put in place.
Despite local opposition, Hotel Chocolat will be allowed to serve alcohol daily from 9am to 9pm, with tasting events limited to 20 per year.
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