A shop owner who wants to grow his business will have to stop selling high-strength booze after neighbours claimed street drinkers were putting children at risk.

The owner of Seven Brothers mini-market, in Tottenham High Road, will be prevented from selling drinks stronger than 6.5 per cent alcohol by volume if he goes ahead with plans to expand into two neighbouring units.

Councillors said he will also have to stop sales of alcoholic drinks at midnight and avoid selling single cans or bottles of beers, lager or cider.

Haringey Council’s licensing committee imposed the extra conditions on the shop after deciding it had “some responsibility” for a nearby alcohol-related nuisance.

The owner of the store, Tacim Koca, applied for a provisional premises licence amid plans to expand his business into two more units next door to the current shop at 76 High Road.

At a licensing meeting on August 1, neighbours and public health officials warned children going to and from school were being intimidated by people drinking in the street.

There are several schools and nurseries, as well as two children’s centres, within 500 metres of the shop.

A barrister representing the applicant pointed out that there were other shops in the area selling alcohol, and the anti-social behaviour problems were not necessarily linked to Seven Brothers mini-market.

But in their decision statement, councillors said “the committee was satisfied that the applicant had some responsibility (for alcohol-related nuisance) and was obliged to ensure that the licensing objectives were being upheld.”

The committee’s decision was issued on Monday, August 12, and the owners or any other interested parties have 21 days from that date to lodge an appeal.

The applicants will still need to apply for the full premises licence – but unless they successfully appeal, they will have to be bound by the conditions set out in the provisional licensing statement.

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