PLANS for a new European grocery store in Boscombe have had a major setback after councillors refused to grant it a licence to sell alcohol.

Residents and Dorset Police had objected to plans for the proposed new store at 524-528 Christchurch Road to offer alcohol until 9pm due to fears over the impact it would have on anti-social behaviour in the area.

On Tuesday, members of Bournemouth council’s licensing sub-committee refused to grant the licence citing the number of similar premises in the area.

The proposal was put forward earlier this year by Plymouth-based Bana Awara as part of his plans to open a grocery store catering to eastern Europeans based in the area.

“The premises aims to provide a service that is different in style to the other convenience stores in the Boscombe area offering produce not readily available in these shops,” he said.

“In addition to British produce there will be food and drinks from countries such as Lithuania, Slovenia and Latvia.”

However, the number of similar shops in the area prompted objections from Dorset Police and store owners.

Representing the owners of two Polish shops in Christchurch Road, Julia Palmer said: “There are several stores in the area which offer stock from a range of eastern European countries.

“Having more could start a price war which will have a negative effect on the immediate vicinity and wider area.

“This council has taken steps to regenerate Boscombe.

“One of the steps was to recognise the police concerns and to adopt the cumulative impact policy.

“It would be such a shame to see this ignored and fly in the face of this policy.”

Dorset Police objected to the licence application saying that it had not demonstrated that it would not have an impact on levels of anti-social behaviour in Boscombe.

Its licensing officer, Louise Busfield, said: "The concentration of licensed premises within this area causes problems of anti-social behaviour and crime and disorder.

"Dorset Police are of the view that the applicant's operating schedule has failed to demonstrate that there will be no negative cumulative impact.

Cllr David Kelsey, chairman of the sub-committee, said that councillors had agreed to refuse the licence due to concerns about the number of similar premises already operating in the area.