A newsagent has been given a licence to sell alcohol, despite mass opposition.
Licensing committee members at Stevenage Borough Council approved an application by Martin’s at the St Nicholas neighbourhood shops in the town this morning (Monday), but cut the opening hours requested.
The shop owners applied for a licence to sell alcohol from 6am to 11pm seven days a week, but will not be allowed to serve drinks after 8pm – a closing time recommended by Herts Police.
A police licensing officer said he was “very concerned” that an 11pm closure would increase the “crime and disorder that the area has been subjected to.”
Almost 150 people signed petitions against the plan arguing it will increase anti-social behaviour, crime and health issues in the neighbourhood.
Opponents have 21 days to appeal the decision to magistrates.
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