Paston Parkway-based Somerfield, which is attached to the BP petrol station close to Eye, has applied to Peterborough City Council for the go-ahead to sell alcohol throughout the day.

At the moment, the supermarket is allowed to sell alcohol from 8am to 11pm from Monday to Saturday, and 10am to 10.30pm on Sundays.

But the new application to sell alcohol around the clock has brought objections from residents, a ward councillor and police.

Police have objected to Somerfield's plans saying that they believe the premises already experiences "ongoing problems" with shoplifting.

In a letter to the council's licensing team, police say if the plans are given the go-ahead then alcohol should only be sold through a hatch rather than allowing customers into the store during the extra hours.

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On behalf of the police licensing and community safety unit, Katy Harris, states: "It is felt by the police that if alcohol is sold via a hatch, and not openly available inside the store, during the evening hours then incidents of shoplifting will be prevented.

"The Neighbourhood Policing Inspector feels that if alcohol is not sold through the hatch, but is available for purchase in the store 24-hours-a-day, there will be a significant rise in shoplifting offences at this premise."

Other concerns raised include longer hours paving the way for an increase in public nuisance, litter, and noise from people walking to and from the premises and anti-social behaviour.

A decision on the matter is to be made at the city council's licensing panel meeting on Thursday.


Another supermarket looking to extend their hours of selling alcohol is the city centre-based Asda, in Rivergate.

The supermarket issued a notice in a recent copy of The ET stating its intention to extend its hours of selling alcohol to 24-hours-a-day, seven-days-a-week.

However, a spokesperson for Asda Stores said the application was being sought ahead of Christmas to give shoppers the chance to buy alcohol during their last few days in the run-up to Christmas Day.