A convenience store has been granted a 24-hour alcohol sale licence in an area which currently has restrictions on street drinking.

MIR Food Centre, formerly known as Londis, in High Street, Wealdstone, previously had a licence to sell alcohol between 8am and 11pm, seven days a week.

But due to the report not being completed and cleared in time for Harrow Borough Council’s licensing panel meeting on Tuesday, February 21, the decision was postponed.

The licence has since been granted, despite MIR Food Centre being located in an area which currently is trying to crackdown on alcohol consumption.

The consumption of alcohol in public spaces is not illegal, but failing to surrender containers of alcohol when requested to by a police officer is an offence.

The supermarket has agreed to keep a door supervisor on duty throughout the early hours of the morning and also promised to ensure pavements outside are kept clear.

Cllr Graham Henson, Harrow Council portfolio holder for the Environment, Crime and Community Safety said: “We followed national guidelines – as we must – when granting this licence.

“We consider criteria including crime, disorder, nuisance and local objections. As a condition of the licence, MIR supermarket will be going further than any other off-licence - with a guarantee of an accredited door supervisor on duty throughout the early hours and a pledge to ensure pavements adjacent are clear and safe.

“We recognise that there are significant issues in Wealdstone involving alcohol, which we are taking extremely seriously and we are addressing in many ways – including a full redesign of the area outside Holy Trinity Church.”

Ward officer PC Dipesh Raithatha has warned street drinking is an issue in the area.

He said: “I strongly object to the licence being issued. We do not have the policing resources to monitor the sale of 24-hour alcohol, and the effects this will cause.”

Many stores in Wealdstone have extended hours for alcohol sales but none currently have 24-hour licences.