GRANTING a takeaway shop a licence to sell alcohol could lead to a precedent that will result in the need for a cumulative impact zone, police have warned.

Bosses of Anatolia Kebabs in Holmsey Green, Beck Row, have applied to Forest Heath District Council for permission to sell intoxicating drinks until 11.30pm Monday to Saturday and until 10.30pm on Sunday.

But police, who have objected “in full” to the application, said the move could lead to an increase in crime, public nuisance and expose children to the “sale and consumption of alcohol”.

In a letter to Forest Heath’s licensing team, Inspector Rebecca Kidd-Stanton, of Suffolk Constabulary, said: “The premise is currently described as a takeaway restaurant. The addition of alcohol provision both for on and off sales significantly alters this, effectively enabling the premises to become a hybrid of a take away and a public house.”

She added: “We strongly believe that the change of use will lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and crime both within and nearby the premises.

“From a countywide perspective, there are only a few venues that operate in this manner, none are in the Forest Heath area.

“Whilst it would not be appropriate to single out any of the premises, there has been an increase in crime and disorder in areas where late-night refreshment houses in Suffolk have added alcohol sales to their licence.”

The application, which says the kebab shop has CCTV and security lights installed to help prevent crime and anti-social behaviour, was also objected to on the grounds of setting a precedent.

Insp Kidd-Stanton said: “Furthermore, it is believed that if this premises is granted a licence it will set a precedent and competitors will apply to do the same. Where this has occurred in other towns, the local authorities are now in the process of considering cumulative impact policies to address this issue.”

Police also raised concerns that approval of the application would go against the Government’s alcohol strategy to achieve a “sustained reduction in both the numbers of 11 to 15-year-olds drinking alcohol and the amounts consumed.

Insp Kidd-Stanton added: “Children have unrestricted access to this premise and are likely to visit it either alone or with family and friends to purchase food.

“If alcohol provision is granted, children will be unnecessarily exposed to both the sale and consumption of alcohol.”

A spokesman for Anatolia Kebabs was yesterday unavailable for comment. (MIGHT BE PHONING IN TEN PLS HOLD