AN OFF-LICENCE simply called Cheap Booze has withdrawn its application to extend its alcohol licence.
The shop, on London Road in Thornton Heath, had applied to extend its last sale of alcohol from midnight to 2am.
It also wanted to sell booze from 7am instead of 8am, but has now decided to withdraw the application after objections from the police.
It was due to come up before the sub-licensing committee yesterday (Thursday) but it had been recommended for refusal.
Councillor Simon Hoar, cabinet member for community safety and public protection, said it might send out a message to shops looking for unnecessary late alcohol licenses.
Cllr Hoar said: "They already sell booze from 8am to midnight – surely that's enough hours to sell alcohol?
The police objected to the application on the grounds it would lead to an increase in antisocial behaviour.
Thornton Heath is one of the areas in the borough that is being considered to become a Cumulative Impact Zone.
This means the council would have powers to reject all licence applications within the zones unless businesses could prove they would not add to existing drink-related problems in the area.
Another application for a late licence extension was due before the sub-licensing committee yesterday.
Express Supermarket, in Portland Road, South Norwood, was also recommended for refusal for its application which sought to extend its licence by as much as four hours on some days.
On weekdays, the off-licence applied to sell alcohol until 3am instead of its current 11pm cut-off.
Cllr Hoar said: "It will go up at the Licensing Sub-Committee like any other application of its kind and you never know what the outcome might be."
