A supermarket delivery service will be allowed to sell alcohol all day everyday from a warehouse in St Albans, despite neighbours saying it could lead to an increase in noise and anti-social behaviour.

Getir, which promises ‘ultrafast’ grocery deliveries, will be allowed to operate from a unit off Hatfield Road after councillors granted a premises licence to the company.

Local residents had raised concerns about whether the 24/7 service could lead to anti-social behaviour issues, but the company said they had not had any complaints from its current locations across the country.

Getir said no members of the public would be able to visit the premises, with the new unit serving as a hub for delivery drivers to pick-up items as part of their route.

Councillors approved the application following a hearing of the council’s licensing sub-committee on February 18.

During the meeting, Getir’s representative Chris Nixon said alcohol constitutes around 5 per cent of the service’s offering, and only makes up 2-7 per cent of the business’ total sales.

Mr Nixon added the peak hours for sales are between 5-9pm, with milk the most popular item ordered during the night.

Mr Nixon said: “We understand where we operate in built up areas, close to residents there are some concerns. That said, despite the fact we have concerns wherever we go, they don’t materialise into reality.

“Councillors, there’s a big difference between the fears of a licence grant and the reality of a licence grant.

“Appreciating the small fraction of total sales, although an important fraction, alcohol does not actually correlate or constitute a public nuisance in any of our premises. This has been justified and proven time and time again.”

Mr Nixon also clarified Getir requires a home address for deliveries, their app requires age verification, and hires all their staff directly – both within their staff and warehouses.

He also said the electric vehicles and bikes used by the deliver drivers are “practically silent” and should not have a significant impact on neighbours.

No responsible authorities, including the police and council’s licensing team, raised concerns about the plans.

Neighbours had also raised concerns about whether the use of the site as a delivery hub was appropriate, although the committee said this was not in their remit to determine.

Councillors agreed to grant the premises licence, which requires the company to ensure CCTV to be in operation and that drivers will take steps to not deliver alcohol to under 18s.

The committee’s decision read: “In reaching our decision we have considered whether any of the representations provide evidence of any negative impact by the proposed operation on the four licensing objectives.

“We note there are no representations from responsible authorities. Matters relating to restrictive covenants or planning requirements are not relevant to the Licensing regime.

“We are satisfied that the applicant can operate as set out in their application, with the conditions imposed, and promote the four licensing objectives.”