A convenience store's application to have its alcohol licence extended has been turned down.

Kent Police and Medway's public health officers raised concerns about the bid which was put forward by Arena Food Centre in Ordnance Terrace, Chatham, citing a number of issues caused by street drinkers hanging around the area.

Those running the shop had originally applied to have a 24-hour licence, before changing this to 8am to 12am, Sunday to Thursday, and 8am to 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Members of the Medway Council's licensing hearing panel discussed the application this morning.

PC Andre Smuts told councillors how there are three other off licences within a two-minute walk of the shop.

He added how his officers visited the area on two occasions last month, observing littered cans and human faeces in alleyways and stairways around the flats on the road.

He said the officers also spoke to some street drinkers who admitted being responsible for some of the litter, before adding how the police didn't attribute these issues solely to Arena Food Centre.

Barbara Murray from Medway Council's public health department echoed the concerns of the police, adding: "Chatham Central ward is the third highest ward in Medway for domestic abuse calls to the police, and this is particularly relevant because this is a hidden effect of alcohol consumption and issues connected to alcohol."

Licensing consultant Nigel Carter - who was acting on behalf of the applicant - argued many of the issues raised by the police were caused by people having access to cheap, high-strength lagers and ciders, which he said the shop doesn't sell and has no intention of selling.

He said: "Despite the large number of residents living in the vicinity of my client's premises - and the alleged littering, street drinking, urinating, and defecating - not one resident has submitted an objection to this premises licence variation."

An application to extend the licensing hours of Quality Kebab and Chicken in Gillingham High Street was also due to be considered by councillors, but was withdrawn.