Sainsbury’s has been granted permission to sell alcohol on its new premises in London Road, West Croydon.

Croydon Council’s licensing sub-committee approved the application at a meeting on Monday.

The supermarket chain is replacing the Ship of Fools pub, which was named Croydon’s best pub in 2012, with a Sainsbury’s local store.

Businesses in the area have already expressed their concern about the impact a new store will have on the area.

Sabrina Cader, a solicitor for Sainsbury’s, told the committee she expected the store to open later this year once the pub has ceased trading.

She also said that after consultation with the police, the supermarket amended their plans to sell alcohol from 6am to midnight and instead will sell it from 7am to 11pm on most days.

One resident, of Cornwall Road, who didn’t attend the meeting but objected to the application, said granting the license would result in more street drinkers.

The committee, chaired by Councillor Maria Gatland, granted the application and praised the supermarket for their consultation with the police.