A new application to sell alcohol at 48a High Street in Andover has reignited local concerns about drinking and antisocial behaviour among young people in the town centre.
The premises, a former card shop, is set to become a convenience store. The original application proposed selling alcohol 24 hours a day, seven days a week. That has since been revised to a more limited window – 6am to midnight daily – but it still faces formal objections from local authorities.
Environmental Health and Hampshire Police have both raised serious concerns, particularly about the potential for public nuisance and disruption to nearby residents. While the applicant has promised CCTV, strict staff training and adherence to the ‘Challenge 25’ policy, these commitments haven’t eased fears.
Andover has seen growing unease around young people gathering in the High Street during evenings and weekends, often with alcohol involved. Town centre shop owners and locals have reported late-night noise, littering and intimidating behaviour, especially during the warmer months.
The bid to sell alcohol from early morning until midnight every day is now set to go before the Test Valley Borough Council Licensing Committee next week. The committee will decide whether granting this licence is appropriate given the wider concerns around safety, public nuisance and the protection of children.