The Bridge recently carried out research into the status of a new licenced premises in Marygate, Berwick.
Despite applying for a licence to operate under the ‘Morrisons Daily’ brand, the new shop opened under a different franchise.
Northumberland County Councillor (NCC), Nicole Brooke, has put a formal question to the County Council regarding the matter.
NCC has responded to Cllr Brooke’s question stating:
‘trading names are not explicitly checked as part of the 2003 Act application process in the same way the applicants criminal history or immigration status. The onus is on the applicant to correctly provide that, it being a criminal offence to knowingly or recklessly make a false statement in connection with an application.
‘The facts are currently being investigated by officers who are assessing the options available to the authority under the framework of the 2003 Act (Licensing Act 2003) and in line with the council’s published enforcement policy.