Our community is already grappling with rampant alcohol-fueled anti-social behavior, a situation that has pushed our neighborhood to the brink. It's disheartening to witness the once peaceful streets of our community now marred by incidents that disrupt the quality of life for families, seniors, and children alike. Our local parks and public spaces, meant for recreation and relaxation, have become hotspots for disturbances. Just imagine walking your child to school or coming back from work and being confronted with scenes of disorder. It's a daily reality we can no longer accept.

Now, there is a proposal to open another shop on our High Street that will sell alcohol around the clock, 24/7. This addition threatens to exacerbate an already untenable situation. More alcohol outlets mean more opportunities for disruptive behavior, more instances of public intoxication, and more strain on community resources such as emergency services and policing. Our community simply cannot bear the burden of any additional outlets that serve alcohol.

Evidence from around the country shows that a high density of alcohol outlets correlates with increased crime rates and anti-social behavior. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), areas with high numbers of alcohol outlets have as much as a 35% higher rate of violent crime compared to those with fewer outlets.

Our goal is simple: we need to prioritize the well-being and safety of our community members. Allowing another alcohol shop to open, particularly one that operates 24/7, undermines this goal and disregards the voice of the people who call this neighborhood home. We must urge the licensing board to reconsider granting this license and focus on initiatives that promote health, safety, and community harmony.

Therefore, we implore you to support us by signing this petition. Let’s send a clear message that our High Street deserves better than becoming a hub for alcohol-related issues. Together, we can protect our community and promote a future where everyone feels safe and respected in their environment. Sign this petition to stop the licensing of a new alcohol-serving shop on our High Street.