OFFICIALS will review the premises licence of a Bridgwater convenience store as police continue their crackdown on street drinking and anti-social behaviour.

Police have called for Sedgemoor District Council to review International Food Centre’s license at a hearing next month after describing it as a “hotspot” for street drinkers.

A police report on the premises in Binford Place, which has been sent to the council, states: “The owner, Mehmet Yildirim, has consistently undermined all four licensing objectives and shown a disregard the law.”

The report says the shop and off license has become a draw to street drinkers where they “often congregate and cause a nuisance”.

Police also believe tobacco has been sold to under-18’s on the premises.

“There were more than 80 incidents of anti-social behaviour reported in or around the premises in the last three months,” it says in the police report.

Other concerns mentioned in the report include operating outside of licensing hours and not keeping accurate records.

The council and police hope placing tighter restrictions on the sale of alcohol at the shop may reduce problems in the area.

A spokeswoman for Sedgemoor District Council said: “We as a council have limited powers about people being disruptive which is why we are working with police.

“We are carrying out a review of the premises license at International Food Centre. To grant a license or to revoke a license is a legal process. It is just one of the things police are trying to control anti-social behaviour down there.”

The application for a review was submitted by the police on grounds of “preventing crime and disorder, preventing public nuisance, protecting children from harm and in the interest of public safety”.

Police want the International Food Centre to install CCTV, keep a detailed log of incidents inside and outside the store and operate a Challenge 25 policy among other conditions.

Speaking at Bridgwater Town Council on Thursday, September 14, PC Dom Bryant said: “We are working toward appealing a license of a premises in Binford Place. We hope, if this can be sorted, it will go some way to addressing the issue.”

Councillor Brian Smedley gave credit to the police for their work on the issue.

The licensing committing will discuss the matter on Wednesday, October 4.