Hundreds of residents in Flatts were celebrating last night after a Magistrate denied a store owner the right to sell alcohol.

Belvin's Variety Flatts owner George Swan had applied to Magistrates' Court for a Class A liquor licence, but Flatts residents objected to the store selling alcohol. They launched a petition and appeared in court on two separate occasions to voice their concerns.

Yesterday Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner, speaking on behalf of the Liquor Licensing Authority, gave his ruling and explained why the application was denied.

"We find that bearing in mind in the location of the premises and the design of the parking lot and the various objectors who spoke of congestion and who spoke of blocking the area that the premises is not suited for a class A liquor licence. This application is denied."

After the hearing, Rodman Woolridge, speaking on behalf of the objectors, said: "We are ecstatic that the ruling has been in our favour and that the panel and the Senior Magistrate have in their wisdom considered the full impact of this ruling."

The court had previously heard from a number of residents who stated why they felt alcohol should not be sold at the store many of them live on Paradise Lane, next to the shop. They complained of cars and bikes parking in front of their access, preventing them from getting in and out.

Another main concern was the proximity of two schools – Whitney Institute Middle School and Impact Mentoring Academy which are both within walking distance of the shop.

Keiva Maronie, representing store owners FHV Limited, argued the objections raised were not legal reasons to refuse a liquor licence. She said in an earlier hearing that any loiterers, trash and traffic outside of the store are not Belvin's responsibility.

"The main objections are that the premises are close to schools. Selling would result in vagrants and undesirables loitering. There's also a concern that was raised about litter around the premises. There is also a potential disruption to the flow of traffic.

"They also believe there are other businesses selling liquor close by. The fact that other premises sell liquor shouldn't prevent my client from trying to do the same thing."

Mr. Swan was not available for comment.