A SUPERMARKET will be allowed to sell alcohol from 6am despite objections from police.

Councillor Kay Mayor, chairman of the Fenland Licensing Committee, said after a hearing that councillors had agreed to the application subject to conditions.

Wisbech police tried to block Horsefair Co-operative’s bid to sell alcohol from early in the morning alleging the area had been blighted by drink-fuelled anti-social behaviour.

“This behaviour commences as early as 6am daily, and goes on all day, with persons urinating in public and disposing of the cans and bottles in public places,” said Sgt Dave Bax.

“There are other stores with a sales time commencing at 6am and these stores are frequented by street drinkers wishing to buy their early morning supply.

“I can see no reason to add to this situation by allowing this premise to apparently focus this variation of hours to encourage sales at this time.”

Cllr Mayor said conditions attached to the application would include banning the sale of single cans of beer, lager or cider.

Conditions also included increased use of CCVT, maintenance of more detailed records, and training of key store management in “avoiding conflict”.

Cllr Mayor said: “The premises will be fitted with a panic button system for staff to utilise in case of an emergency.”

She added: “All staff will receive comprehensive training in relation to age restricted products and in particular the sale of alcohol”.

Sgt Bax said there have been 64 reports of street drinking in the Medworth ward in the past year.

But he added relations between police and Co-op staff “is excellent and would like this to remain the case