MONTHS of hard work to tackle Boscombe’s alcohol problems could be jeopardised if a convenience store is allowed to sell alcohol, it is claimed.

The Crescent Food Hall’s application for an alcohol licence has sparked objections from Dorset Police and from Atlas, the Boscombe Regeneration Partnership’s crime-focussed group.

But the new operator has labelled the police’s claim contradictory as the convenience store has only recently stopped selling alcohol and said the police have provided no statistic or direct evidence to support the claim that awarding the shop an alcohol licence would lead to an increase in problems.

The store had its licence revoked last year after allegations one of the previous licence holders assaulted a youth with a cricket bat. It was also alleged that weapons, including a chair leg, were kept behind the counter and that counterfeit alcohol had been offered for sale.

An appeal was lodged against this decision and the shop continued to trade as an off-licence until March, when magistrates upheld the council’s decision.

The new applicant Taner Altun, who states he is unconnected to the previous operator, has been running the shop on an informal basis since mid April.

In a statement to Bournemouth’s licensing committee, Inspector Chris Weeks said the Boscombe Crescent area was “extremely challenging.” He said: “The past six months have seen a great deal of partnership work to transform the Green into an area where the local community can relax and enjoy the ‘gate way’ to Boscombe.

“In my opinion an off-licence within such close proximity will undo all the hard and positive work to date.

“It is my genuine belief that should the Crescent Food Hall reopen and trade as an off-licence, the levels of drink-related antisocial behaviour will increase to the detriment of the communities living, working and visiting the area.”

But solicitor Philip Day, who is representing Mr Altun, said: “During most of the six months to which the Inspector refers, Crescent Food Hall was operating as an off-licence. If...the mere presence of an off-licence at this location is going to cause an increase in drink-related antisocial behaviour, it is perhaps surprising that the police have witnessed a decline in such a behaviour at a time when the premises were operating and, significantly, being operated by persons who were accused of mismanagement.”

The application will go before the Board next Tuesday.