A controversial application to sell booze from Tenby’s proposed new Co-op store between 6am and 11pm daily will go before councillors today (Thursday).

As the Western Telegraph recently reported, The Co-operative is hoping to open a new food store in the town’s former Post Office vehicle repair workshop at The Green.

Planning permission is due to be sought from Pembrokeshire County Council, but in the meantime, a licensing application is being made to sell alcohol between 6am and 11pm daily.

Residents living near the site of a supermarket giant’s planned new convenience store in Tenby are petitioning against its proposed opening hours, describing them as “anti-social”. They are asking that the licence should only run from 7.30am to 9.30pm from Monday to Saturday and 8am to 6pm on Sunday.

The petitioners also raised concerns over an increase in delivery and customer vehicles on one of the main roads into Tenby.

“There are enough alcohol outlets causing mayhem in Tenby without adding to it,” the petition added.

Frank Howard, who lives opposite the site, said in a letter to the sub-committee: “We are not against the Co-op opening there, it is the open and closing times we are unhappy about for selling drink.”

Objections have also been lodged by Oil4Wales, which operates the nearby Fiveways garage and shop.

The managing director of its retail arm, Colin Owens, has pointed out that the original planning application for the site was for retail and offices, not just one supermarket.

The company also objected from a ‘social and business perspective’, pointing out there are already six other off-licensed premises in the area.

“Tenby is a small seaside town and its local business already struggle in the current climate,” said Mr Owens. “A further off-licence in an already inundated town will drive sales of established businesses down and cause tension as a result of increased an unnecessary competition,” said Mr Owens.

The licensing sub-committee will consider the application at 2.30pm today (Thursday).