A NEWPORT petrol station has been granted permission to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, despite objections from councillors.

People in Stow Hill will now be able to buy alcohol around the clock as the BP service station has had its licensing hours extended.

The application, submitted in May of this year, sought to vary the licence at the Stow Hill service station.

Although the store has been operating a 24-hours opening policy for the last ten years, it is currently permitted to sell alcohol between 8am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 10pm on Sundays. They requested to be able to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, Monday to Sunday. Sitting on the licensing sub-committee yesterday were councillors Margaret Cornelius, Herbie Thomas and chairing the meeting, Cllr Sally Mlewa.

The premises, which have been there for more than 30 years, provide a popular service for late-night taxi-drivers, shift workers in the hospital and residents. All business is done through a hatch between the hours of 11pm and 5am, when the garage can expect to serve up to 250 customers.

Cllr Thomas, who works in the hospital opposite the garage, said: “Why do you want to sell alcohol that late? You can only be suggesting people from outside the area. We are trying to make Newport a safer city.”

But Roy Light, the barrister presenting for the applicant, said: “I don’t envisage it becoming a destination.”

A representation read out on behalf of Brynhyfred Avenue resident, John Sheridan, raised concerns about the general disruption caused to neighbours by noise and light pollution from the premises.

Other concerns were raised about vulnerable residents living in hostels in the area, underage drinking in Belle Vue park and revellers from town “already tanked up” stopping by the garage on their way home.

Store manager Gaynor Grist assured the committee alcohol isn’t sold to those who are drunk.

No objections had been received from the police or environmental health.

The licence extension was granted on condition the garage operates CCTV, staff are given regular training, a challenge 25 policy is adopted, a sales refusals book is kept, a notice is put on display asking customers to be respectful of neighbours, litter bins are put on the forecourt and that between 11pm and 5am a barrier will be implemented.