Premier Express Zenith Supermarket, in Hythe Street, has applied to stay open and sell alcohol for 24 hours a day, increasing from its current operating hours of 7am to 11pm.
However, these proposals will be reviewed by Dartford Council’s licensing sub-committee on March 10 after Kent Police lodged an objection against them.
A representation letter written by PC Dan Hunt, on behalf of Kent Police, reveals that officers fear the 24/7 opening hours will increase issues already present in the area, including “drug use” and “alcohol related crime”.
Police argue that it is “highly probable” that people leaving nearby late-night venues will then attempt to purchase further alcohol from the store.
The representation said: “Kent Police believe that there will be an increase of crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour that is likely to have a negative effect on the community, increasing the issues already experienced within the grip hotspot zone and designated public space protection order area.
“An increase of incidents will place extra burden on both the premises and staff, the local community and on police resources.
“Kent Police respectfully request that this application be refused.”
Police added that if the licensing committee do decide to grant the application, they ask that conditions are placed on the licence, such as a door supervisor standing on duty between 11pm and 6am daily.
In the current application, Premier Express has given “no consideration” to security being employed at the premises, the police said.
The representation said: “Many other licenced premises in town and the immediate area recognise the increased risk associated with operating a late-night licenced venue and employ SIA [Security Industry Authority staff], it is not clear why the applicant feels that SIA are not necessary.
“Other measures such as a late-night service window or perhaps sealing off the alcohol aisle from customer access also appear as having not been considered.”
At the meeting next Tuesday, the licensing committee can decide to either grant the application as requested, modify the proposed licence, or reject all or part of the application.
Premier Express Zenith Supermarket declined to comment.
