Concerns raised over Co-op alcohol plans (From Essex County Standard)

Concerns raised over Co-op alcohol plans

10:20am Wednesday 6th March 2013 in News

A SUPERMARKET wants to be able to sell alcohol from 5am until midnight as part of its new opening hours.

The Co-operative, which is part of a Texaco filling station in Shrub End Road, is applying to be able to sell alcohol for three extra hours a day.

But councillors for the area have vowed to fight the application, saying it would lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour.

Lyn Barton is leading the opposition.

She said: “Residents are already having to put up with unacceptable behaviour in the area.

“The worry is, if this application is approved, it will lead to a 24-hour application further down the line.”

The proposed changes are also part of an application to sell late night hot snacks until 12am.

Nine letters of objection and a petition have been received and will be taken into account when the application is decided by Colchester Council licensing sub-committee on Friday.

A spokeswoman from the Co-operative said: “We are always looking at ways of providing a better service for our customers, and the application has been made with a view to extending the store’s opening hours in the future.

“As a community retailer, the opinions of local residents are very important to us, and they can rest assured that we will continue to adopt a responsible approach to the sale of alcohol.”