A COURT has been warned that competing off-licences could be tempted into selling alcohol to children in a fight for survival."

Sgt Brian Hopwood told Hyndburn licensing magistrates that he was concerned about what might happen in the future if every corner shop in town wanted a licence.

The warning was sounded as magistrates considered an application from Mirza Rehman for an off-licence at his grocers shop in Plantation Street, Accrington.

The request was refused despite a 324-signature petition from his customers who wanted to buy alcohol.

Three nearby off-licences in Park Street, Washington Street and Lodge Street objected to the application.

Sgt Hopwood told the court that Mr Rehman was a fit and proper person to hold a licence, aware of his responsibilities. But he questioned the need for another off-licence in the area.

Sergeant Hopwood said: "Our concern is that the survival of the fittest rule will apply." He said if any shop started to fail there was a risk that rules would be bent.

The sergeant added: "This is a danger with all these applications. Is there a line to be drawn and where do we draw that line?"

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