The plans of a family-run fish and chip shop to sell alcohol for the first time have been hit with complaints, with neighbours voicing concerns over street drinking.

Recently, The Tasty Plaice fish and chip shop in Tilehurst applied for a licence to sell alcohol such as beer and cider cans to customers.

But neighbours have voiced concerns that allowing these sales would exacerbate street drinking problems in Park Lane.

Sarah Ward, a neighbour, said: “As a homeowner on Park Lane, I feel there is no need for this to happen, as there is already a shop next door that sells alcohol during the hours they have applied for.

“I feel this will lead to teenagers buying alcohol at all hours and affecting disturbance in the area.

“Not only that, it would severely affecting a respectable trade that the shop owner next door has worked hard to achieve over the years.”

An objector called Mark argued that people can already buy alcohol from The Water Tower Pub and the Park Lane Off Licence if they wish.

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While complaints have been submitted by residents, there have also been objections from two neighbouring businesses.

Charanjit Singh, the owner of Park Lane Off Licence, said: “Our area already has far too many places selling alcohol between the hours that they

have applied, this will cause more disturbance in the street and increase alcohol consumption in our area.

“Tilehurst has a high rate of street drinkers and by grating them this licence this will only make matters worse for everyone.”

Mr Singh also submitted a petition signed by 16 people echoing his concerns.

Meanwhile, Harveen Khaneja, the owner of Coffee and Cream, argued that the area is ‘saturated’ with businesses selling alcohol and that allowing the Tasty Plaice application would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Defending the alcohol sale application for Tasty Plaice, Bill Donne, of Silver Fox Licensing Consultants said: “Two of the complaints are from business owners adjacent to the chip shop.

“They have made complaints under the licensing objectives, arguing it will have an adverse impact on their trade.

“But the Licensing Act 2003 states there is no requirement to prove the need for more licensed premises, the licensing decisions should only be based on whether an application supports and promotes the four licensing objectives.”

These objectives are the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of nuisance and protection of children from harm.

Mr Donne continued: “It was agreed with the council and the police that Tasty Plaice is trading as a chip shop not as a traditional alcohol store.

“Alcohol sale will only be ancillary to a substantial meal. If someone wants to buy a small chips and a beer they won’t be able to, if they want to buy cod and chips they will be able to.

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“We are not competing with the off licence.

“The fish and chip shop is takeaway only and the owners want to sell beers and ciders.

“They already sell a full range of soft drinks, this will only be a small increment to their product range.

“The owner of the off licence cannot make the legal point that it may affect his business, that’s not a matter for the councillors to consider.

“It’s been a fish and chip shop for over 20 years, the family has operated the business since 2003.

“They are experienced business operators and their long presence is a testament to their expertise.”

In full, the owners have applied to sell alcohol from 11.30am to 10pm each day.

Mr Donne said: “The terminal hour is 10pm which is hardly that late.

“It’s a pretty vanilla and ice cream application.”

The alcohol sales bid is due to be discussed at licensing applications sub-committee on Thursday, November 16.