A new off licence has been given the go ahead – despite concerns it would “exacerbate” problems with "drunken yobs".

Barnet Council’s sub-licensing committee approved the application for the shop in Greenhill Parade, Great North Road, New Barnet, at a meeting at Hendon Town Hall last Thursday.

The off licence will open from 11am to 11pm from Monday to Sunday.

Concerns were raised by people living nearby about the number of shops already selling alcohol in the area, and that another would fuel anti-social behaviour.

In a letter to the committee, Rebecca Hanley, of Leicester Road, New Barnet, said the site is opposite a bench where street drinkers congregate – which she branded “irresponsible in the extreme.”

In another letter, Mary and David Falconer, also of Leicester Road, said the area was “frequented by drunken yobs most weekends.”

They added: “For them to have access to the purchase of alcohol until 11pm at night would only serve to exacerbate the problem.”

No objections were put forward by the Metropolitan Police.

The applicants said the shop will use CCTV, and will not sell beers and ciders stronger than 6.5 per cent.

Staff will also discourage people from congregating outside the shop.

Mill Hill councillor John Hart, who sits on the committee, said: “You can make the point there are too many alcohol outlets, but the licence law at present does not stipulate the number of outlets in any area. You can have them side by side all down the street.

“If there is a nuisance or crime or whatever, then you can revoke the licence. But in this case there is no threat. The police had no objections. It’s one of those things we couldn’t stop.”