SOUTH WOODFORD: Trader withdraws late licence bid (From East London and West Essex Guardian Series)

SOUTH WOODFORD: Trader withdraws late licence bid

3:17pm Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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FEARS that the arrival of a new off licence could bring an increase in anti-social behaviour and littering have been calmed, after the business' owner withdrew his application for a late licence.

Cengiz Karatas has applied for a licence for Woody Supermarket in South Woodford High Road, once the shop's current occupant Len Ellis, who runs Len's Shoe Repair, retires later this year.

Mr Karatas had applied for the right to sell alcohol from 8am to midnight from Sunday to Thursday and from 8am to 2am on Friday and Saturday.

However, in the face of dozens of objections from local residents and a 12-strong petition, the businessman has now said he wants to apply to open no later than midnight seven days a week.

While the new store will be in a predominately business area, it does sit directly opposite the Queen Mary Gate development and is just a few yards from Funky Mojoes, which prompted some residents to fear the worst if a late licence was granted.