Residents living in the Smithdown Road area of south Liverpool have said they are fed up with the impact alcohol, litter and anti-social behaviour is having on their neighbourhood.
The comments have come to light after plans were put forward for another late night off licence to open in the popular student area. Liverpool Council has received an application for a premises licence that could see a unit at 142 Smithdown Road turned into an off licence that would sell alcohol daily until 2am.
The plans, from applicant Indika Sudath Aththiligoda Gammage, have prompted a number of objections from people living locally who believe there is a need for less alcohol to be sold in the area, not more.
READ MORE: Full list of eligible DWP benefits as dates for £900 cost of living payment confirmed
One frustrated resident said: "Smithdown Road has enough pubs, takeaways and restaurants that sell alcohol. As a resident who has lived here for over 33 years, me and my neighbours suffer already with the noise, litter and anti social behaviour caused by the premises we already have.
"We need less not more places that sell alcohol and by being open 24 hours a day, the only people to benefit will be the owners of the shop in terms of profit and we will have to put up with the noise, litter and anti-social behaviour that is encouraged by drinking especially into the early hours.
"These opening hours will pander mostly to students who already have enough places to consume and buy alcohol, they can also go into town and drink till 7 am.
"Why is it that profit is all that motivates? Shop owners who make a lot of money on Smithdown Road don't offer to clean up the litter the takeaways cause that we residents struggle to clean up daily."
Another local resident also raised concerns. They said: "I frequently walk from my house along Arundel Avenue to Smithdown Road where this shop is situated. I have noticed broken bottles of alcohol along this street which can become a matter of public safety. Extending licensing hours is likely to increase this problem.
"I am concerned that another shop with extended hours to sell alcohol is likely to encourage more noise in the early hours of the morning. This is not welcome for local residents particularly as this is such a densely populated part of the city."
While a number of local people have raised concerns about the licensing plans for the off licence, a number of other residents do not foresee any issues and are supportive of the plans..
One said: "We cannot see any increase in law and disorder should this licence be granted and we support the application." Another added: "No crime and nuisance witnessed in my ten years using this shop."
A hearing will be held tomorrow (Friday January 13) at Liverpool Town Hall and the council's licensing committee will decide whether or not the licence is granted.
Read next:
Man in Concert Square video boasted he was wanted man on Facebook
White tent in middle of road after woman hit by two cars
Full list of eligible DWP benefits as dates for £900 cost of living payment confirmed
Murder accused turns to teen and shouts 'he done it and he knows he did it' in court
