A NEW convenience store will start selling alcohol later than any of its neighbouring competitors.

This comes after a representation made against the application was described as "vexatious".

Winter Hey Wines in Horwich has been granted a licence to supply alcohol off premises from 8am until 11.30pm, half an hour later than existing off-licences in the area.

The licence was granted at a council meeting earlier this month where concerns were raised about the influx of customers expected at the store after local pubs and bars close.

The applicant, Ozgur Ak, initially requested a licence to sell alcohol until midnight but this was amended to address concerns.

An email received by the licensing team claimed that a customer was recently offered a packet of cigarettes for £4 when visiting the shop.

However, licensing consultant June Clark argued that this could not be true because the store was not open as work was being completed inside.

She added that the shop has a cigarette machine with a digitalised count meaning that no loose cigarettes are sold at the premises.

The applicant's agent suggested that the "invalid" objection may have come from a competitor.

Father-of-three, Mr Ak, also denied the allegations and reassured the licensing sub-committee that he is an honest family man with relevant experience, having previously run a takeaway restaurant.

His agent said: “The business is here to support his family. He’s not going to do anything to jeopardise his family."