A BID to allow a supermarket to sell alcohol until 10pm on weekdays and Saturdays has been given the go ahead.

Members of Suffolk Coastal District Council’s licensing sub committee met to discuss Tesco’s application for its yet to be built Express store in Saxmundham Road, Aldeburgh.

The bid caused much controversy when it was first tabled earlier this year when the retail giant asked for permission to sell alcohol and “late-night refreshment” from 6am to midnight Monday to Sunday.

However this would have put the store in breach of its planning consent, which set opening hours of 8am-10pm six days a week, and 9am-7pm on Sundays and Bank Holidays.

A new application to sell alcohol between 8am and 10pm, Monday to Saturday and 9am and 7pm on Sunday was subsequently submitted.

Last night a spokesman for Tesco confirmed the licence had been granted.

The application was discussed by the licensing committee after they received a representation from a nearby resident concerned that the sale of alcohol could spark public nuisance, crime and disorder.

But in a report considered by members it was stated that all shop staff would receive appropriate training when it came to the sale of alcohol, that the store will comply with the “Think 25” policy and that the premises will be monitored by CCTV.

It also said the licensee would welcome the opportunity to liaise with the police and enforcement authorities.

A spokesman for Suffolk Coastal District Council said: “The licensing application was approved and was the revised application submitted by Tesco and brings it into line with the decision made by the council for the planning application for Adleburgh.”

Business chiefs in the town have already vowed to keep a careful eye on the situation to ensure another application to extend the licensing hours is not submitted at a later date.

Permission for the Tesco store, which will be built on the site of the derelict Crossways garage, was granted by Suffolk Coastal earlier this year, along with five flats and associated car parking.

The application was fiercely opposed by traders and shop keepers who feared the affect it could have on footfall in the High Street.