All-night alcohol sales is unsafe, says complaint

The Food Warehouse has asked district councillors for permission to sell alcohol all day and night

A single objection to a planning application could stop alcohol being sold 24 hours a day at a new Cambridgeshire supermarket.

The Food Warehouse, which is due to open at Stukeley Road Retail Park in Huntingdon, wanted to sell beer, wine and spirits all day and all night.

But one anonymous complainant said the proposals were "inappropriate" and could "significantly disrupt the peace and security of local residents".

The company promised "appropriate and proportionate" steps would be taken to ensure safety.

Bosses at The Food Warehouse, a subsidiary of Iceland, told Huntingdonshire District Council the shop would be fitted out with CCTV and staff would be trained to act responsibly.

Cambridgeshire Police and local authorities made no objections to the plans.

The sole complainant, who is not named in council documents, said: "This retail park is not an appropriate location for such operations, especially given that it is directly surrounded by residential properties.

"Granting a 24-hour alcohol licence in such a location poses serious risks to public safety [and] encourages anti social behaviour."

In response, The Food Warehouse offered to only sell alcohol between 07:00 BST and 23:00, adding it would reflect the operating hours of "nearby competition within the immediate area".

Huntingdonshire District Council's sub-licensing committee is due to meet on 8 September, where a final decision will be made.