Postmaster 'relieved' at alcohol licence approval

Longthorpe Post Office has been given permission to extend opening hours and sell alcohol

A postmaster struggling to keep his branch running has been given permission to sell alcohol - which he hopes will help the service to stay open.

Mohammed Arif applied for an alcohol licence for Longthorpe Post Office, Peterborough, in July and an extension of opening hours, with the aim of selling the business.

Mr Arif, who has been running the Post Office for nine years, said he was "relieved" at the approval.

The application, which received 22 comments of support and 13 objections, was discussed at Peterborough City Council's licensing committee meeting on Monday where it was approved.

Mohammed Arif said the alcohol licence will make his business more saleable to interested parties

The Post Office, which also stocks household goods and food, is the only shop serving Longthorpe - the next nearest shop is about a mile away in Netherton.

Mr Arif said a lack of footfall was affecting the ability of branches to remain viable.

“It has been a good ride over the years, but going forward it needs something more to stay open,” he said.

At the committee meeting, Mr Arif was accompanied by his legal representative and residents who came to support the application.

Residents objecting to the application made their case to the committee and raised concerns of a potential increase in litter and anti-social behaviour in the area.

No objections were received from authorities including Cambridgeshire Police and Peterborough City Council's Trading Standards.

Mr Arif said he was "thankful" to residents who supported him.

"I am relieved with the decision and will take each day as it comes before the next steps," he said.