FEARS have been raised that granting an alcohol licence to a new shop would lead to 'ongoing criminality and anti-social behaviour'.

The licence application for The Beer Garden on St Helens Road has been made by David Neild.

The premises, now under different ownership, used to trade as St Helens Wines before it lost its licence last year.

The applicant said he wanted to launch The Beer Garden, described as a ‘a small mini-market and grocery store with an off licence'.

Mr Nield originally sought permission to sell alcohol from 8am until 5am, seven days per week but shortly before the hearing said he would only seek a licence until midnight.

Bolton licensing department has objected to the application on grounds of potential public nuisance, prevention of harm to children and crime and disorder.

The operating licence for St Helens Wine was revoked in February 2020 after illicit tobacco was discovered and seized by trading standards.

The new shop would have 24 hour CCTV, a refusals log to be in operation and the reporting of all incidents of crime or disorder to the police.

All spirits would be stored behind the counter and signs placed at the entrance for customers to respect nearby residents.

Objecting to the application, Hulton ward Cllr Toby Hewitt, said: "At present the feeling of local people is that this will be a draw for anti-social behaviour.

"I've been approached by multiple residents it's a hot spot for attracting anti-social behaviour and crime.

"The premises next door there is current enforcement action going on and they fear between that and this application there will be ongoing criminality and anti-social behaviour in the area.

"One particular resident submitted footage taken on March 20 at 1am.

"The footage shows swearing and aggressive confrontation taking place in the middle of the road and outside the property.

"There are appalling threats of physical violence and prolific use of the 'f' and 'c' word, banging car doors and various cars pulling up.

"This is said to be typical of what goes on at this stretch of road and they fear this application will carry on attracting this type of behaviour.

"Litter picking volunteers have told me of the constant finding of cans, bottles, wrappings and gas canisters along this stretch.

"I feel it would not be appropriate to grant a licence at this hot spot.

"One resident told me they have a fear that a child could end up dead due to the prevalence of drinking and drug taking along this stretch of road."

Speaking for the applicant, licensing consultant, Mr Clarke, said:

"Any committee properly advised could only refuse this application if the operating schedule is not capable of delivering the licensing objectives.

"There is not one shred of evidence in the representations that challenges this application.

"This is a new premises licence application so anything that happened before this applicant took over the premises is irrelevant.

"Bringing up issues caused by the management of another shop or caused by others has nothing to do with this applicant."

The committee will publish its decision after informing the applicant by post.