SUPERMARKET giant Tesco has applied for a licence to sell alcohol until midnight at its new Little Lever store — despite only having permission to open until 11pm.

Tesco says the reason for the application is to ensure that customers paying for items as the shop closes, just after 11pm, can still be legally sold alcohol.

But Bolton Council says the supermarket giant will have to comply with the opening hours it has received planning permission for.

Cllr Paul Richardson said: “As far as I’m aware, you can’t get alcohol from any other supermarkets or off-licences after 10pm in Little Lever.

“My main concern is there being booze available until 11pm or midnight. You are just asking for trouble.

“I know one or two residents who have objected to the application and are worried it will just create further problems.”

A Tesco spokesman said: “We’ll be a good neighbour in Little Lever and take our responsibilities seriously.

“Our colleagues are trained to challenge anyone who looks under the age of 25 buying alcohol.”

The new store is due to open at the start of November. It has planning permission to be open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 10am to 6pm on Sundays and bank holidays.

Tesco has also asked for permission to sell alcohol from 6am.

A council spokesman said: “Tesco has applied for a premises licence to serve alcohol at the Little Lever store between the hours of 6am and midnight, seven days a week.

“It will have to comply with the opening hours it has received planning permission for.”

Resident Sean Hornby said: “I can’t see any reason why Tesco needs an alcohol licence for any longer than it is open.

"Selling alcohol until midnight could lead to young people — over the age of 18 — getting cheap alcohol, going out into the parks and creating anti-social behaviour.”