Shop's booze bid 'will put addicts at risk'

Allowing a convenience store to sell alcohol into the early hours of the morning would put those battling addictions at risk, a charity, police and councillors have warned.

Seafront Mini Market on Westover Road, Bournemouth has applied to sell alcohol and offer late night refreshments until 03:00.

The YMCA, which has a hostel nearby, said it believed granting permission would put "harmful substances on the doorstep" of those who are trying to avoid them.

The store's application said it would follow "good-neighbour practices".

The convenience store applied to Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole (BCP) Council to sell alcohol between 08:00 and 03:00am daily, it also wants to sell hot food and drink from 11:00 to 3:00.

YMCA Bournemouth, which offers a safe place for those battling addictions, said "strongly" objected to another licensed premises in Westover Road.

Its response to the licencing application claimed it would be "a safeguarding risk" to its residents.

"It would decrease the effectiveness of our current services that rescue large numbers of people per year from the damage of alcohol abuse," it said.

In a report prepared for the sub-licensing committee, an objection from BCP's lead for anti-social behaviour, said the application "does not appear to demonstrate any understanding of the local area demographics or acknowledge the close proximity to the YMCA".

Local councillors also said granting an alcohol licence will have a "detrimental impact on public safety".

An objection from Dorset Police, said granting the application would be "counter intuitive" to the support offered at the YMCA.

"Westover Road already experiences a disproportionate number of street drinkers, anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder which already negatively impacts the community, as well as contributing to an increase in demand on police resources," it added.

In its application, the store said it would take measures including having CCTV and posters urging people not to congregate.

It also said it would follow "good-neighbour practices" with comprehensive staff training and would stringently enforce its age verification policy.

The application is due to be considered by the council's licensing sub-committee on 13 May.