A store bidding to sell alcohol 24 hours a day faces failure after it was caught out in a police sting.

The International Food Centre, in Teville Road, Worthing, was visited on March 27 by a 16-year-old boy who was able to buy a bottle of Smirnoff Ice without being challenged or asked for ID.

Mike Webb, the town's police licensing officer, said this raised “further and real concerns about the conduct of the premises”.

He said the member of staff responsible was fined £80 and the store proprietor, Rahmi Aktepe, had received a formal warning.

Mr Aktepe currently had permission to sell alcohol from 8am to 11pm Monday to Saturday, and 8am to 10.30pm on Sunday.

He now wanted to sell it round the clock alongside tobacco, groceries and meat.

Mr Aktepe said anybody who appeared to be under the age of 21 was asked for their ID.

He said the store had years of experience in running similar businesses in different locations.

But his application to Worthing Borough Council dismayed residents and Central ward councillor Paul Yallop.

Councillor Yallop said: “The ward has the highest recorded crime in the Worthing area, and I suspect the majority of crime is alcohol related.

“In my opinion the current licence of the International Food Centre is at the limit of acceptability.

“I object to the 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and I would also object to any compromise.”

He warned that the store would attract street drinkers who caused “a good deal of fear of crime among the population”.

Tim Nicholls, of the South Broadwater Residents' Association, said: “We are most concerned that there would be a serious risk of public disorder and nuisance as well as vandalism since groups of already well-oiled revellers will be able to buy further quantities of alcohol in the early hours.”

Mr Webb said: “Police have concerns that the premises may have detrimental effects to crime and disorder and may also cause nuisance to the public.”

The borough's licensing committee will consider the application on Thursday, April 16.

Mr Aktepe was unavailable for comment.