A NEW off-licence has been given permission to open in Billericay despite several objections.
Sinan Cinko and Suleyman Toprak will be allowed to sell food and alcohol when they open Billericay Food and Wine at 23 High Street next month.
The decision to grant the pair an alcohol licence for the shop was taken at a meeting of Basildon Borough Council's licensing committee at the civic centre in Basildon.
They had originally asked for permission to open until midnight Sunday to Thursday and 2am on Friday and Saturday.
However, councillors refused, allowing the shop to open until 11pm Sunday to Thursday and until 11.30pm on Friday and Saturday.
Seven residents wrote to the council to complain about the application, expressing concern that the late opening hours could cause noise and disturbance.
The objectors also feared that people leaving pubs would then head to the shop to buy more alcohol and that the presence of the shop could encourage people to drink in the High Street.
Mr Cinko told the Gazette after the meeting: "We want to stay open late because of our previous experience.
"I used to have a 24-hour shop and it was really busy until 4am.
"It does work, especially at the weekend, and we had quite a lot of business."
Besides beer, wine, spirits, cigarettes and cigars the shop will sell groceries, fresh baked goods and organic food and drink.
Mr Cinko added he does not believe his business will be the source of trouble in Billericay.
"I don't think it will attract the wrong type of client," he said.
"People just have a couple of drinks after clubbing – not many people will be out with their mates at that time of day.
"They will buy drinks and then go back to their houses and carry on drinking there."
The revised opening hours were co-ordinated with Essex Police who said they had reached an agreement of closing hours in relation to the application.
Following the decision, Mr Cinko's agent Mahir Kilic said: "We are disappointed we couldn't stay open until 12am but we are sure we will get a midnight closure or even later once they see the type of services we will provide."
Trevor Draper, who owns Billericay Cook Shop in the High Street, had objected to the original opening hours requested by Mr Cinko and Mr Topran.
He said after the meeting: "I see no reason why anything would change – just because he behaves doesn't mean that problems won't occur between 11.30 and 2am."
Billericay town council chairman John Buchanan said: "It is good that someone wants to start a business in Billericay and I hope it goes well for them.
"The licensing gave a good compromise and I would just hope that they are happy with that and it doesn't go to appeal.
"If the shop closes at 11.30pm, I think it will go a long way in reducing disturbance and nuisance.
"We have to accept the decision now and hope it works out very well.
"Once they've been there a year if there is any trouble the appropriate steps will be taken.
"It's really a shop that sells beers and wines – it's not a Threshers – so it is a welcome addition to Billericay High Street."