Petrol station granted 24-hour alcohol licence

The Motor Fuel Group took over the Morrisons filling station in Totnes in July

A petrol station will be allowed to sell alcohol in a Devon town around the clock despite objections from local people.

The Motor Fuel Group (MFG) took over the running of the Morrisons filling station in Totnes in July.

The company applied to South Hams District Council for permission to allow customers to purchase alcohol at any time of the day.

But the application faced a string of objections, including from the town's deputy mayor, Tim Bennet, who said Totnes was not a "24-hour town".

'Legitimate concerns'

South Devon MP Caroline Voaden said the selling of alcohol 24/7 risked "increasing anti-social behaviour, vandalism and disturbances".

She also warned of the dangers of "intoxicated people" on a main route to a school.

Councillor John Birch said there was a "continuing problem with alcohol" in the town.

"Extending the filling station's licence would exacerbate the problems," he said.

MFG's solicitor Robert Botkai told the committee he was not "belittling" what he said were "legitimate concerns".

"But we have heard all these arguments before many times," he added.

"Our experience is that these problems don't happen, and are unlikely to happen in Totnes."

Licence conditions

Mr Botkai said the council would be able to review the licence at any time if there were issues.

"When we are told that there is a problem, we deal with it very quickly," he said.

Committee chairman Sam Penfold said councillors were "extremely sympathetic to the concerns of the residents".

The committee heard the conditions of granting the licence would include "regular meetings with the community" to discuss concerns and not selling alcohol through the night pay window, but in the shop instead.

It is hoped this will stop groups gathering near the night pay window overnight.