Licensee lambasts Londis litter louts

A licensee has called on his local council to act over "irresponsible promotions" by the off-trade in his area.

David Stocken, licensee of the Dolphin in Worthing, West Sussex, claims that local off-licences are causing litter and social problems near his premises.

In a letter to Worthing Borough Council, Mr Stocken called for action against the Londis store situated directly opposite his pub.

He said: "I went in to my front garden to clear some bottles and cans, and they were filling their windows with special low-cost alcohol deals.

"This is irresponsible. Supermarkets and chain stores are not fulfilling their social obligations.

"It is one thing to deal with people under the influence of alcohol if we sold it to them, but I will not tolerate dealing with other people's drunks or rubbish.

"It¹s one law for one, one for another. They don't pay the same rates as us but they get more help. As a publican, everyone¹s grinding you into the ground."

Edmund Mani, manager of the Londis store at Dominion Buildings, opposite the Dolphin, said they had introduced a new camera system.

"Our staff now have to sign a form after receiving basic training, proving that they know what they are doing when selling alcohol," he added.

Mr Mani defended the store's pricing policy on alcohol: "Our prices follow Londis's nationwide RRP and are higher than supermarkets and other off-licences." But there are signs that the council is listening to Mr Stocken's concerns, after he received a visit from a waste management officer.

He said: "I met the guy from the council, and they have now offered to put two bins outside the pub."