NEW BOOZE LICENCE BID LAUNCHED

A new application by the operators of Red House Food Store in Belsay Gardens to allow the sale of alcohol has been received by the city council.

The application is for sales from 9am to 9pm Monday to Sunday.

The previous application was turned down by the council's Licensing Committee and subsequently on appeal by magistrates in 2006.

Councillor David Faulkner represented the views of residents at these hearings and will do so again.

"I have received a large number of complaints by residents on similar grounds to last time," said Councillor Faulkner.

"There are with concerns about a renewal of the anti-social behaviour that was such a problem before the previous licensee had the licence withdrawn."

Councillor Faulkner adds: "A petition with a large number of signatures in favour of a licence was handed into the council some weeks ago, so the decision will not be an easy one for the committee."

The hearing is likely to be in September or October.