People living in one area of Liverpool have said problems with alcohol and drugs are so bad that old people there don't go out in the dark.
The shocking claims emerged in a licensing application that could see a shop on Prescot Road in Old Swan sell alcohol from 7am.
The owners of the Convenience Store, which is near the crossroads with Queens Drive, will go before members of the council's licensing sub-committee next month for them to decide on the application.
But neighbours who oppose the application said the area around the shop can host drunk people 'verbally abusing innocent passersby even during the day time'.
One said: "The Old Swan area based around the shopping area already has problems with people over-indulging with alcohol plus drug taking.
"This is why the elderly don't like to venture out after dusk."
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Another person said schoolchildren from nearby Broadgreen International School were often in the area - and that selling alcohol at the shop could increase underage drinking.
They said: "Many school children shop here after school when waiting for buses and it's inappropriate for them to be surrounded by off-licences.
"It could offer opportunity for under-age children to seek access to alcohol. I believe there is already an off-licence three doors down (JC News and Wine) so there is no need for more."
The shop, which is open until 11pm, has had no objections to its application from the police, fire service or council departments.
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An extra condition to the licence has been proposed by the police that would see the shop unable to sell single cans of high strength beer, cider or lager.
The licensing sub-committee will hear the application on 10 May.
