Handing an alcohol licence to a Mill Hill newsagent would be an “unwelcome and negative step” for the area, according to a local councillor.

Broadway News Food and Wine owner Manmohan Singh has applied to Barnet Council to sell alcoholic drinks at the shop in Mill Hill Broadway between 6am and 11pm.

The business owner will have his application assessed before a licensing committee tomorrow morning (Thursday) but opponents including local councillor Sury Khatri have sent a total of 15 letters of objection.

Conservative Mill Hill councillor Mr Khatri said in his own letter that he felt the application was “inappropriate”.

He wrote: “Mill Hill Broadway is a central point for school children alighting and boarding buses to different parts of the borough.

“This change would be a very unwelcome and negative step as the shop is frequented by school children of varying ages because of what the shop currently stocks.

“I am concerned with the damage to young people potentially being attracted or tempted to what would be displayed in this regard.”

Barnet Council’s licensing committee will meet at 10.30am tomorrow at Hendon Town Hall to assess the proposals.