Councillors refuse to allow online grocery company to deliver alcohol from its Brighton base

Weezy wanted alcohol licenses for its two city depots in Trafalgar Street, Brighton and Newtown Road, Hove.

But Brighton and Hove City Council councillors decided no alcohol will be available from the central Brighton outlet in the arches under the railway station.

They were concerned that the company wouldn’t commit to checking the age of those receiving the alcohol order, or ensuring food was also delivered to houses in what has become a 'party destination'.

Trafalgar Street is in the city’s special stress area (SSA), where there are restrictions on new off-licences on the outer edges of the centre.

It is also on the edge of the city’s cumulative impact zone (CIZ), where there are even tighter restrictions on new outlets selling alcohol, with a ban on new off-licences, bars and nightclubs unless the applicant can prove 'exceptional circumstances'.

The two zones exist to reduce alcohol-related crime and disorder, as well as anti-social behaviour, and cover areas where it is a particular problem.

However, the Newtown Road operation can deliver alcohol as it is in the 'other areas' category in the council’s licensing policy, allowing alcohol sales until up to 11pm.

During a Licensing Panel hearing held last month, both Sussex Police and North Laine Community Association representatives opposed alcohol sales from the Trafalgar Street site.

Police licensing officer Hannah Staplehurst said that the 15-minute turnaround would potentially be attractive to people in student houses and holiday lets – whether for pre-loading or as 'an extension to party drinking'.

She said: “Sussex Police also have concerns over the operation and high possibility of proxy sales.