A forecourt in Sunderland has had its off licence extended so it can now sell alcohol around the clock.Despite five formal objections, Sunderland councillors have given the go ahead for Monkwearmouth Service Station to sell booze 24 hours a day.

According to the Sunderland Echo, the forecourt operations manager said there were strict controls to stop alcohol being sold to youngsters or those already under the influence. Staff are given weekly training, a Challenge 25 policy is in place and alcohol is only sold through a hatch after 9pm.

Meanwhile in Watford, police are opposing a 24-hour off licence for a Total garage. The Watford Observer said police were worried about an upsurge in drunken, anti-social behaviour. Officers told the newspaper that the forecourt store had reported a high number of booze thefts and they want its surveillance tightened up before any licence extension is considered.