by Gerry Warren

Two late-night alcohol delivery services have applied for licences in Canterbury.

But police have been asked to intervene amid fears the trade will increase drunken anti-social behaviour by students. Booze Brothers has applied to operate from Vauxhall Road while After 8 Essentials wants to set up on the Barton Business Park off New Dover Road.

Both have applied for licences until 4am.

City councillor Nick Eden-Green has written to area commander Ch Supt John Molloy appealing to him to lodge objections against the applications.

Cllr Eden-Green has serious concerns because the location of the proposed businesses means local residents will have no opportunity to object, despite potentially suffering as a result of the activity.

In his letter to Ch Supt Molloy he says: “There are well documented problems associated with student parties in private houses in residential areas. As both residents and councillors are prevented under the vicinity ruling of the Licensing Act from making any representation, the licensing committee is bound to grant the application unless the responsible authorities make objections."

A similar scheme already operates in Brighton – another university city. On its website it sets down strict conditions under which alcohol is delivered, which is only to private addresses. Proof of age is also required by those paying for the delivery and drunk or abusive people will not be served.

It says customers must be seen coming from the delivery address and only one person is allowed to approach the van to make payment.

A police spokesman confirmed Cllr Eden-Green’s letter had been received and his concerns over the applications would be considered.

Read the full story in this week's Kentish Gazette.