AN APPLICATION for an off-licence at a new Tesco Express store in Great Sutton has been slammed by residents in the area.

Concerned members of the community have objected to the bid for licensing hours of 6am-11pm seven days a week at the new store, which will be built on the site of the current Sutton Way Hotel.

Resident Linda Cameron told licensing officers at Cheshire West and Chester Council she was concerned about the prevention of harm to children, public nuisance and public safety.

She argues the store would be too close to schools and other premises selling alcohol and there would be a risk the alcohol sold in the store would fuel violence outside, suggesting the opening hours should be reduced because of already sufficient premises that sell alcohol.

Karl Webb, a representative from the Ellesmere Port Alcohol Inquiry, said: “I am very concerned about the links between alcohol and domestic abuse against children and I believe the off-licence would encourage drink-driving and nuisance on the car park.”

Mr Webb also provided the borough council with additional information about the inquiry and the cost of alcohol to the local authority.

At present no additional conditions have been suggested that would be able to deal with the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety and nuisance or the protection of children from harm.

If the licence is granted permission, conditions would require an age verification policy, which means customers appearing to be under the age of 18 would have to produce identification.

A ‘Think 25’ policy which enables customers who look under 25 to be challenged would also be promoted in the store and staff would be trained in licensing issues.

The application will be considered at a meeting of the borough’s licensing act subcommittee at the HQ building in Chester on Monday, December 17, at 10.30am.