THE owner of an off-licence has buckled under vehement local opposition and scrapped plans to serve booze up to 21 hours a day.
 

Sam Sandhar, of the Beer Tent in Barrack Street, Colchester, asked the borough council for permission to open from 6am to 3am, seven days a week.
 

The current opening hours are from 8am to midnight, Monday to Sunday.
 

But nearby residents claimed the extended opening hours could make their lives a misery.
 

Essex Police also formerly objected to the application, stating the premises could “exacerbate the existing crime and disorder problems in the area.”
 

Sam Sandhar, off-licence manager, said: “I changed my mind because of the very strong objections. If the residents don’t like it, I can’t do it.
“We have listened to our customers.”
 

Mr Sandhar said he wanted to extend opening hours to boost trade after nearby Jan and Phil’s Convenience Store, Colchester’s first 24 hour shop, closed in February.
 

But it did not serve alcohol.
 

One resident who objected to the plans, said in a letter to the council: “If this is granted, will be a disaster waiting to happen. Not only encouraging alcohol abuse, but under-age drinking without a doubt. The noise and disturbance would be unbearable.”