A CARDROSS food store has had the go-ahead to start making home deliveries to customers.

The Co-op had its plans to introduce the facility heard by councillors from across Argyll and Bute at a meeting of the area’s licensing board.

Questions on the security of alcohol purchases made remotely were answered, including on the procedures for stopping underage purchases.

The discussion took place at the board’s meeting on Tuesday, June 25.

Solicitor Lewis Barn, speaking on behalf of the applicants, said: “This is a major variation to add home deliveries to the operating plan. These are something that the Co-op has rolled out for some time now.

“Covid accelerated it, but now it is done, there is an appetite among the public.

"We have operated deliveries successfully from many stores across Argyll and Bute and Scotland, and are seeking to allow the same for Cardross.

“We have successful stores in Argyll and Bute with staff experienced in the sale of alcohol and deliveries, and have robust procedures in place for both.

“I should also stress that alcohol is only delivered directly to a person and never left unattended. All drivers employed directly by the Co-op receive the same mandatory training as shop floor staff.”

Councillor Graham Hardie (Liberal Democrat, Helensburgh Central) asked: “Would it be possible tando purchase goods online, or is it only people who go into the shop and ask for it to be delivered?”

Mr Barn responded: “There is a system where customers can order within the store for delivery on a later date, or they can do it through the Co-op website or Deliveroo.”

Councillor Hardie then asked: “How does age restriction work? Some 16-year-olds might think they can order a couple of cans of beer. Do you ask for verification at the point of sale?”

Mr Barn said: “Where a customer places the order, they are advised that this is an alcoholic product. Any 16-year-old could attempt to bypass that, but there is a challenge at the point of delivery.

“Drivers and apps used by third party couriers have to explicitly say they have undertaken the check before it can be delivered, and it is never left unattended.”

Councillor Audrey Forrest (SNP, Dunoon) added: “I use the Co-op delivery service very regularly and I know of people who have been challenged. It works well on the ground.”

The application was unanimously agreed by the board.