A CENTRAL Bournemouth shop has applied for the reinstatement of its revoked alcohol licence after coming under new ownership – but is facing opposition from the police.

Bournemouth Convenience Store on Old Christchurch Road was stripped of its licence after non-duty-paid alcohol was discovered on the site and it failed a test purchase.

New proprietor Ali Solak took charge in August 2014 and has no association with the previous owner.

Dorset Police, however, has formally objected to his request to reinstate the old licence which permitted alcohol sales between midday and 9pm.

In a letter to the authority, PC Steve Lemon cited cumulative impact licensing policy, which calls for a presumption to refuse new licence applications in areas with high anti-social behaviour and crime levels.

“There are currently 10 premises within the immediate area of this proposal offering off-licence opportunities,” said PC Lemon.

“The concentration of licensed premises within this area causes problems of anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder.”

But Mr Solak’s application refutes the force’s claim that his store would fuel public nuisance.

“The applicant is aware that there are high levels of crime and anti-social behaviour in the locality associated with the consumption of alcohol, particularly late at night,” the application said.

“In that regard, the applicant has chosen to limit his application so that the sale of alcohol will cease at 9pm, some two hours before the hour at which it is generally accepted that the late-night economy begins.

“He will not therefore be selling alcohol to those who are intending to frequent the late-night venues operating in the locality.

“Further, the applicant is mindful of the problems associated with street drinking, particularly by those who are homeless. To address that issue, the applicant does not propose to sell alcohol before midday – most street drinkers try to buy alcohol earlier than that.”

The application added that Mr Solak will not stock large bottles of cider and high strength beers – drinks which the application said homeless people “tend to gravitate towards”.

Mr Solak has also stated he will operate a challenge 25 policy.

The application will be heard in full by the borough’s licensing sub-committee, chaired by Cllr Andrew Morgan, at a town hall meeting tomorrow.