Flatts' residents have protested against a liquor licence being granted to the former Twins Variety, citing traffic congestion and loitering as their main problems.

Members of the Flatts Village community attended a hearing in Magistrates' Court yesterday where they voiced their concerns.

The Liquor Licensing Authority listened as nine residents stated why they felt alcohol should not be sold at the store, now called Belvin's Variety Flatts.

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 an out.

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

Jane Smith, Wayman Trott, Lori Tingley, Winston Jones, John Parsons, Movita Roberts, Jim Woolridge, Carrene Woolridge and Rodman Woolridge all gave their reasons why Belvin's should not be allowed to sell alcohol.

Mrs. Smith said: "I am just trying to protect my property. If a liquor licence is granted, people will congregate there and the problem will get worse."

Mr. Trott said his main concerns were traffic congestion and loitering. "If they are not blocking the driveway, they are parked in the driveway. If someone wants a beer, they don't care if it's hot or cold. They will buy a six-pack and open it and drink it in their car and drop it outside."

Mr. Jones said: "I myself, and my family, we have been exposed to numerous situations which I think are directly to do with the enterprise there. Drug use, drug sales, urination in the alleyway, fights and noise."

Keiva Maronie, representing store owners FHV Limited, argued the objections raised were not legal reasons to refuse a liquor licence.

She said 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."

Senior Magistrate Archibald Warner agreed the objections were not legal reasons that would prevent the store from having a licence.

"You are right to the extent that not only in this application there are a lot of considerations which is normally raised, morals, social good or bad, all those matters. However, in this application I must be guided by the law."

A decision is expected in a few weeks.