A SHOP has been given permission to sell alcohol from 5.30am as its owner was "getting requests".

The R & B Convenience Store already had permission to sell alcohol from 7am to 11pm Monday to Sunday.

Lokugamage Jathunarachchi applied to change his licence to start earlier, from 5.30am, at the shop on Broom Lane, Ushaw Moor, Durham.

"It's increasing the start of permitted hours," said licensing officer Helen Johnson.

"The end time is remaining the same."

The application was heard at a meeting of the Durham County Council licensing sub-committee on Monday.

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The Brandon and Byshottles Parish Council objected to the licence alteration.

Parish council clerk Susan Howe told the meeting: "This objection was made by Ushaw Moor ward councillors.

"They would like to object to the licence with regard to the following - prevention of crime and disorder and prevention of public nuisance.

"The parish council does not feel that alcohol sales from 5.30am is appropriate.

"The business of the licensed premises are located whereby traffic and visitors border the route of nearby residents and businesses, consequently resulting in the above."

Asked why he wanted to sell alcohol earlier, Mr Jathunarachchi said: "Customers come in to buy papers."

He said people asked for alcohol at the same time: "They don't want to come a second time for that, local customers."

He said the Co-op started to sell alcohol at 6am.

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Ms Johnson said: "The main reason is because he's already open earlier at 5.30 doing the papers.

"People come in, local, wanting to buy alcohol and he's explained that he can't sell until 7.00am.

"So instead of them coming back later on, the reason is to have the variation so he's able to sell the alcohol at 5.30.

"The main reason is because he's open then, he's getting requests to sell alcohol then but he can't.

"And the local nearby shops are open at that time where they're selling alcohol.

"The reason for the variation is to bring it into line with his opening hours."

On mediation with the police, Mr Jathunarachchi agreed to operate the Challenge 25 scheme, where under-25s are required to show ID, and installing CCTV.

After considering the application, the committee agreed to the licence change.