Call for cut in early booze sales

Concerns about excessive and anti-social drinking has prompted Derby police to ask city centre off-licences not to sell alcohol in the mornings.

Officers want the shops to sign up to a voluntary code because of complaints from businesses and the public about groups drinking on the street.

The move comes as one pub applies to open at 6am to serve shift workers.

A trial period would see off-licences undertake not to serve alcohol before midday for eight weeks.

Crime concerns

Sgt Paul Tatlow said: "We are just asking them at the moment to sign up to say they will avoid sales before 12 for the trial period.

"We will see what sort of impact that has and then go back to the licensees."

He added: "Business have said it is affecting their trade with people drinking outside and Derby has been seen as bit of a soft touch in the past with groups asking people for money."

The licensees of the Crown and Cushion on Midland Road have submitted an application to open from 6am to serve serving staff working shifts at the nearby post office and railway station.

Police said they have concerns about the area around the pub - because of what they say is a high number of incidents of street drinking and alcohol-related crimes.

It has been four months since licensing laws were changed to allow longer opening hours.