Police opposition to high strength alcohol being sold in a Milton Keynes city centre kiosk was overruled by a council committee.
The Point Kiosk, in Midsummer Boulevard, had applied to Milton Keynes Council to lift a ban on selling booze above six per cent, including wine and spirits, from the premises.
But Thames Valley Police objected, saying that problem drinkers tend to congregate around places where they can buy high-strength booze, causing problems.
Police opposition meant that a licensing sub committee was convened on Tuesday to decide the issue.
Licensing officer Gemma McCormack told the committee that “street drinkers who congregate outside of off licences, appear to target off licences who sell higher strength alcohol.