A new Majestic Wine store in West London has been granted permission to open until 11pm daily, despite objections from local residents who raised fears of excessive drinking and noise disturbance. The store will be located at 92-96 St Mary’s Road in Ealing, taking over a former tyre-fitting shop.
Store Details and Operating Hours
Majestic Wine, which already operates over three dozen stores across London including in Chiswick and Shepherd's Bush, plans to transform the premises into a warehouse-style high-end retailer. The shop will sell wine, beer, champagne, and spirits across two floors, with only the ground floor open to the public. Alcohol consumption will not be permitted on site. The store will operate between 8am and 11pm daily.
Resident Concerns
Ann Chapman, representing the Walpole Residents’ Association, objected to the late opening hours, arguing they would cause significant disturbance. She suggested a compromise of closing two hours earlier and opening later on Sundays. Jenna Jackson Julius also objected, citing the store's proximity to Lammas Park and Walpole Park, and warning that late-night bulk alcohol sales could promote excessive drinking, loitering, and drunk driving. She also raised concerns about noise from late-night customers, traffic, and deliveries on St George’s Avenue.
Committee Decision
Despite the objections, Ealing Council’s licensing subcommittee voted unanimously to approve the application. Cllr Rima Baaklini stated: “The subcommittee accepted that the representations made by Ann Chapman and Jenna Julius were relevant… however it was found that those objections were expressed in general terms and were not supported by specific evidence… The subcommittee was satisfied that grant of the licence as applied for was appropriate and proportionate, and that refusal or the imposition of additional conditions… was not necessary.”
During the hearing, Majestic Wine’s legal representative noted that the company uses Deliveroo for home deliveries, a point Ms Chapman flagged as potentially harmful to vulnerable people. However, the committee did not share these concerns.
