a liquor licence.

Licensing Justices, yesterday, refused to grant a licence for Hillview Variety, on Devil's Hole Hill, to sell beer and wine.

The panel agreed with objections of residents and the Police that a licence could affect a "sensitive'' area of the Island.

Many residents and the local church believe that a licence would provide an outlet for local drinkers who often congregate on the wall overlooking Harrington Sound.

But Hillview owner Mr. Eddie DeMello produced his own petition of supporters.

His lawyer Mr. Richard Hector provided witnesses to say that the situation has improved and a licence would mean no greater problems than anywhere else in the Island.

Chairman, the Wor. Will Francis said: "There were numerous objectors to this application, including the Police.

"All the objections were based on the fact that this area of Smith's Parish had been the scene of disturbances in an area where groups of young men had loitered, sitting on the wall, drinking alcohol and littering.

"This had been going on for several years. Police have been involved in making many arrests and there have even been some cases of Police officers being attacked.'' Police described it as a sensitive area and Mr. Francis said that local residents had agreed.

He said: "The applicant and his supporters say that all the trouble was in the past. The place is now cleaned up and trouble is no more likely to erupt there, due to the availability of liquor, than any other place in Bermuda.'' The panel had decided that there was no need for a licence because of close proximity of other retailers of liquor.

But the main reason for the refusal, he said: "We accept the evidence of the Police and residents that past troubles had to do with the consumption of liquor.

"Devil's Hole is still an area where youths congregate and drink in the open.

We agree with the Police that a licence is likely to bring about a resumption of the troubles of the past.'' He said conditions on an approval would not control what people did when they had bought a bottle of liquor. He said approval was against the public welfare.

Mr. DeMello said that he would be taking legal advice before making any decision on appealing against the decision. An extension to the store is part built and was intended to be the liquor department.

However Mr. Hector launched a scathing attack on The Royal Gazette after the hearing.

He said: "I was disturbed to find that while this matter was still sub judice the editors of The Royal Gazette saw fit to publish an editorial which my view was intended, clearly, to influence the decision of the liquor licensing authority.

"In my view it smacks of contempt and should be firmly dealt with. I certainly plan to deal with it. I will be contacting the Attorney General.''