WINCHESTER licensing chiefs have approved plans for an Alresford cafe to have an alcohol licence, despite more than a dozen objections from local people.

Party at the Mill has been operating at the Station Mill, next to the railway station, since December and wants to be able to serve alcohol between 8am and 11pm every day of the week.

Fifteen neighbours raised objections fearing it would lead to anti-social behaviour.

But cafe owner Kirby Sinclair said his business was not a "boozer" and there was a misconception about the business. It is a small chain of coffee roasters aiming to also provide good food having hired a chef with experience of Michelin-starred restaurants.

He told the licensing committee: "It is a nice relaxed place to have a glass of wine with lunch. It is a not a party venue and not a boozer. There will be no stand-around bar."

Mr Sinclair said it would only be open Monday to Wednesday evening for private hire; open to the public Thursday to Saturday and closed Sunday evening.

Objector Mr A Wallis, of Station Approach, told the licensing committee: "We are very concerned about the application especially as it seems very long hours. It will upset our health and well-being. No thought has been given to anyone living near Station Mill.

"There is the potential for anti-social behaviour fuelled by the alcohol. The owners can't control their clients when they have had plenty to drink."

Regarding music, cafe manager Rachel Everitt-Sharpe said at the moment the customers have to sit outside because of Covid restrictions but the noise issue would reduce once the inside could be used.

One objector pointed out that the name of the business with 'party' and the application for pub-like hours had created an impression that it would be a pub.

Carolyn Torkington, of Station Road, said the application details were very limited and created the wrong impression. "Look at the name 'Party', look at the hours, like a pub. We didn't have a lot to go on to start with. A lot more information has come out today and put our minds at rest to a certain degree. It is shame it wasn't able to be done initially. I wonder why."

Among the objectors was Abbeyfield Alresford and District Society which runs Bailey House for nine elderly people.

The licensing committee approved the premises licence but added conditions that no alcohol could be consumed outside after 9pm and that the doors must remain closed after that time.