BOOZE could be sold 24 hours a day, seven days a week if an off-licence in Potters Bar gets its way. Bargain Wine, on The Broadway, has asked Hertsmere Borough Council for a new licence to sell alcohol around the clock from

BOOZE could be sold 24 hours a day, seven days a week if an off-licence in Potters Bar gets its way.

Bargain Wine, on The Broadway, has asked Hertsmere Borough Council for a new licence to sell alcohol around the clock from July 30.

The store will also change its name to Firtina if its application is successful.

In an application form seen by the Potters Bar Edition, David Dadds, acting for the licensee Huseyin Yildirim, said: "All reasonable steps will be taken to ensure that the premises will have a positive impact upon the local environment and its residents at all times."

He also stressed a CCTV monitoring system would be maintained and that clear, legible notices would be displayed reminding customers to leave quietly.

However, a number of community groups have expressed reservations about the store's plans.

John Godfrey, chairman of the Potters Bar Crime Reduction Group, said a 24-hour off-licence would be "against the interests of the town".

He believes it would attract more people to Potters Bar at night, placing extra pressure on police resources and is worried it could set a precedent for other shops.

He added: "There is no need for it basically."

Meanwhile, Arnold Davey, for the Potters Bar Society, also expressed concern.

He said: “There would be fights outside, urination in the streets and the general disorder which comes from having booze on sale 24 hours a day.”

Hertfordshire police have also made representations to the council in respect of the application, but would not reveal what they were.

The application is currently open to public consultation until July 30.