The Sainsbury's store in Werter Road, Putney which had originally wanted to sell alcohol 24 hours a day, will now be allowed just one extra hour in the morning.

The store's opening hours during the week are from 7am to 11pm. Currently alcohol is sold throughout that period with the exception of the first hour of the day.

The company withdrew its original proposals following concerns expressed by local residents and councillors. Last night's meeting of the licensing sub-committee was asked to approve the extra hour from 7am to 8am.

Councillors were told that Government guidance said that the hours for alcohol sales in stores should match those for other products.

The council had no opportunity to reduce the existing store trading hours under the legislation. This can only be considered if there are police objections.

Sainsbury's had also wanted to sell alcohol between the hours of 7am and 11pm on a Sunday although because of Sunday trading laws they can only open for six of these sixteen possible hours. The committee agreed a restricted period running from 10am to 11pm.

Council leader Edward Lister said:

"Local people were rightly concerned about the original proposals which would have undoubtedly created problems of late night anti social behaviour.

"Sainsbury's clearly listened to those concerns and following discussions with licensing officers radically altered their plans.

"The Government's new licensing legislation is a minefield for local authorities. Within these constraints the committee came up with the best possible outcome which will, I am sure, help to allay residents' worst fears."

The application was considered at last weeks meeting of the licensing sub-committee.