Ganegini Kesavan is applying to Great Yarmouth Borough Council to remove a condition from the premises licence for Londis, also known as Thompsons News Stores, on St Peter's Road in Great Yarmouth.

The condition currently states that no single cans or bottles of beer, cider or spirit mixtures can be sold at the premises.

The application, which will be discussed today, March 13, by the borough council's licensing sub-committee, comes as the council launches a new policy aimed at tackling alcohol-associated crime in an area which includes St Peter's Road.

The new Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) will make it harder to open pubs, bars and off-licences in the area that approximately covers Nelson Ward.

Police on St Peter's Road in Great Yarmouth. (Image: Archant)

Chris Brooks, alcohol licensing officer with Norfolk Police, responded to the application by stating that St Peter's Road has "experienced ongoing issues linked to street drinking and associated anti-social behaviour".

"These incidents continue to have a detrimental impact on residents, businesses and visitors," he added.

Mr Brooks warned the availability of single can alcohol sales would "significantly increase the likelihood of individuals relocating and congregating" on St Peter's Road.

Dropping the condition would add avoidable pressure on police and council resources and negatively affect community welfare and public confidence, he added.

Denise Wilby, the council's licensing and electoral services manager, said there were "significant concerns regarding crime, disorder, anti-social behaviour and incidents of public nuisance associated with street drinking in the area".

Lisa Crooke, community safety officer, said that single cans are "an enabling factor" for those involved in alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

The new licensing policy, approved on Monday, March 13, means any new premises licence application - or a bid to vary an existing one - will face a presumption of refusal unless the applicant can demonstrate they will not add to problems already linked to the concentration of licensed premises.

© Eastern Daily Press