A controversial new 24 hour alcohol license at a petrol station has been met with opposition from members of the public.

Esso Garage in Church Hill, Loughton, was granted the license for round the clock booze-selling last Monday (August 24).

Epping Forest District Council gave the license, which also allows the sale of hot snacks from 11pm to 5am, despite protestations from local residents that violence and noise could increase if it was granted.

The Guardian asked members of the public what they thought of the move.

Liam Noble, 54, of Roydon Close, Loughton, said he thought those living nearby could suffer.

He said: “We don’t live around there but we wouldn’t be happy about it if we did.

“If there’s a lot of traffic around that time of night, it could get very irritating.”

Jane Cassford, 49, of Thaxted Road, Buckhurst Hill, agreed and said: “I don’t think it’s a good idea.

“If you run out of booze at 3 in the morning, then something’s wrong.

“Society needs to calm down.”

Other residents were more optimistic about the new license.

Before it was granted, a resident of Roundmead Avenue near Church Hill, argued it could be beneficial to the community.

He said: “Purchasing alcohol at a garage out of hours is potentially hugely convenient to the local community, thus the facility must be in residential areas- where residents live.”

“There is little benefit to having a convenience out of hours retail unit miles from any home.”

Rontec Watford Ltd., which owns the garage, has been contacted for comment.