The police have objected to a town centre shop’s application to sell booze.

The management of the Dorelson shop, Deansgate, Bolton wish to sell alcohol between 8am and 10pm and have applied to Bolton Council for permission.

However Greater Manchester Police (GMP) have raised an objection saying the area ‘is already a flash point for alcohol related crime and disorder’ ahead of a council licensing meeting which will decide the application.

In a letter to Bolton Council PC Ben Brookfield, a licensing officer for the Bolton division of GMP, said: “I am satisfied that granting the application would undermine the licensing objectives. The police objection is made under the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm, which are three of the four licensing objectives.

“I’m aware that the shop is in prime position within the heart of the town’s night time economy area and is surrounded by a variety of licensed premises on Deansgate, Churchgate and Bradshawgate.”

PC Brookfield said the force had to intervene with special powers last month after a rise in crime and rowdy behaviour in Bolton town centre. He said: “GMP implemented a dispersal order across the whole town centre from March 9 to March 10 to deal with a rise in anti-social behaviour and crime some of which is fuelled by excessive alcohol consumption.

“In my opinion by adding yet another licensed premises to the already saturated market it will only have a negative impact and add to the issues of alcohol abuse and its impact on the community.”

He added that after looking through the application he noted ‘insufficient detail in relation to the promotion of the licensing objectives’.

The shop currently sells groceries, confectionery, drinks and hair accessories along with African and Caribbean food. Bolton Council’s licensing unit has also objected to the off licence plans for the same reasons as the police.

The licensing panel will meet on Wednesday, April 10 to decide on the plans.