A BATTLE has been launched against a supermarket’s bid for a late-night alcohol licence in a Hampshire city.

Tesco have made the application to sell alcohol from 7am to 11pm on Monday to Sunday at a new store on Winchester High Street.

The Tesco Express store would be located on the former premises of River Island.

A total of 230 people signed a petition by owner of city centre health food shop Cupboard of Health Debby Gardiner against the proposal. She fears if the licence hours are approved it will result in increased noise and anti-social behaviour.

Councillors at Winchester City Council will look at the plans on Thursday.

In a report to the council resident Peter Grant, says: “I am sure I speak for all the residents of central Winchester in saying that the last thing that Winchester needs is anyone selling alcohol outside normal shop opening hours and if Tesco wants to remain open until late for the rest of their merchandise - great but please do not allow late opening alcohol sales.”

The report also details of other city residents concerns. They say: “As residents of central Winchester we experience incidents of rowdiness, threatening behaviour and mindless vandalism resulting from inebriated late-night revellers. It would be irresponsible to allow this problem to be exacerbated by the availability of late night cheap alcohol from this very central location.”

A spokesperson from Tesco said: “We are keen to open a store and serve customers in Winchester High Street and to that end we have applied for an alcohol licence. As part of the application we engaged with local stakeholders and responsible authorities, including the Police and Trading Standards, and we look forward to the decision from the licensing committee.”