A SUPERMARKET convenience store in Southampton could soon be serving alcohol until midnight.

Bosses at the Tesco Express store in Burgess Road have handed in an application to extend its licensing hours for selling booze.

The store, formerly a One Stop retail shop, is currently allowed to sell alcohol until 11pm, seven days a week.

A team from the supermarket giant will now face licensing chiefs at the city council at a meeting on January 8 as they bid to extend the hours.

In the firm’s application, current store manager Daniel Cole says Tesco has negotiated several conditions with police to overcome any concerns Hampshire Constabulary had about the extension.

Following discussions with the force’s licensing team, Tesco has agreed to have new cameras fitted to cover public areas including the entrance and exit of the store.

CCTV warning signs will be fitted in public places, while the cameras will be working at all times and be retained for at least 28 days.

There will also be a Challenge 25 policy enforced, meaning anyone looking under that age must present identification, while store managers must maintain an incident log and staff must be given extra training.

In the firm’s application, Mr Cole says: “We intend to be an active member of the community.

“We welcome the opportunity to liaise with police and enforcement authorities should the need arise.”

One resident living near the store, Pamela Brown, has objected to the application, saying: “I cannot see the need in a residential area for this to happen”, adding that she is “concerned” it could lead to more groups of young people congregating outside the shop.

The council’s licensing and gambling sub-committee will make a decision on the application at a meeting at the Civic Centre on January 8.