TESCO’S new store planned for the Bournemouth Square has won a licence to sell alcohol despite an objection from a newsagent.

The town’s licensing committee made the decision yesterday over the store moving into the former Borders premises.

The meeting was held because Geoff Baines, of Square News on Richmond Hill, had written a letter of objection.

He claimed Tesco would sell cheap alcohol that could be passed to underage drinkers, encourage rowdy behaviour in the square and lead to people pestering shoppers for money to buy booze.

Tesco has consulted with Dorset Police on its policy and a council report recommended that the licence should be granted.