BOSCOMBE could be getting a "unique" off licence called United Beer Republic.

The business has applied for a licence to sell alcohol between 10am and 11pm Monday to Sunday from the former Subway at 571 Christchurch Road, opposite McDonalds.

The area is subject to Bournemouth council's cumulative impact policy which generally prohibits the opening of new licensed premises due to concerns over antisocial behaviour. However the new off licence will be a special case – according to the application.

"The applicants are aware that there are high levels of crime and antisocial behaviour in the locality, associated with the consumption of alcohol, particularly late at night and by street drinkers," it states.

"In that regard, the applicants have chosen to apply to open the premises some two hours later than is normally the case in respect of off licences, but will also be charging relatively high prices and stocking products that are unlikely to be of interest to street drinkers.

"What is proposed by the applicants is, as far as they are aware, unique in the United Kingdom, although the first applicant's family has successfully operated a similar establishment in Estonia."

The application promises that CCTV will be installed, and that no beer, lager or cider with an ABV of more than six per cent will be sold, nor wines, fortified wines or spirits.

Planning permission has been granted for the conversion of the rest of the premises into flats.

The plans will see two one-bed flats, one one-bed maisonette and two two-bed flats created on the ground, first and second floors behind the shop.