By Susanna Wilkey ANTI-SOCIAL street drinking problems will increase if the new Tesco opening in South Hampstead is given an early-morning alcohol licence, police have warned. The area already suffers from some of the worst problems with street drinkers i
By Susanna Wilkey
ANTI-SOCIAL street drinking problems will increase if the new Tesco opening in South Hampstead is given an early-morning alcohol licence, police have warned.
The area already suffers from some of the worst problems with street drinkers in Camden and drunken anti-social behaviour has become a regular occurrence for residents, particularly early in the day.
Tesco Express on Belsize Road has applied for a licence to sell alcohol from 7am until 11pm, infuriating residents who fear it will turn the area into a crime hotspot.
Evelyn Summers, who lives on Fairfax Road, said: "I strongly disagree with this proposal. If alcohol is available and sold, there will be an increase in public nuisance with drunks and drunken behaviour disturbing the peace in what is basically a very residential area.
"There is absolutely nothing that can be gained - except by Tesco - for the residents in allowing this. It will not enhance the neighbourhood, only help to destroy it."
More on this story in this week's Ham&High, in your shops on Thursday.
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