MARTIN'S Newsagent has applied for a licence to sell alcohol at its Epping High Street shop between 6am and 8pm.

In their application, to be discussed by Epping Forest District Council's licensing committee on Thursday, February 8, Martin McColl Ltd say "alcohol will be displayed within the retail area in such positions where it can be supervised by a combination of staff supervision and / or CCTV".

If the licence is granted, the store will operate the Challenge 21 policy, keep a refusals book and provide full training to staff, as well as refresher courses. However nearby residents and businesses have criticised the application saying it will bring more noise and disruption to the High Street at night.

The Co-op has objected saying there are several outlets selling alcohol in the area already, including their own, as well as pubs.

They say youths still congregate in the area despite a dispersal order and "the prospect of somewhere else they might obtain alcohol is of concern".

A Buttercross Lane resident has also objected over concerns that staff would not be able to cope with alcohol sales.

A Martin McColl Ltd spokesman has been unavailable to comment.