SAINSBURY'S has compromised on its plans to sell alcohol from 6am to midnight seven days a week at its proposed new supermarket in London Road, West Croydon.
The chain has partially stepped down after discussions with police and now says it will push back the time until 7am.
Sainsbury's has also been in discussion with trading standards, which has insisted on a number of measures to ensure under-18s are not served.
News that the supermarket is to replace the popular Ship Of Fools pub – named Croydon's best by the council last year – has proved unpopular with local traders, who fear it will drive them out of business.
Regulars have also told the Advertiser that there is no need for another supermarket in the area and said they would be sorry to see the pub go.
A resident of Cornwall Road, whose name has been redacted from the council report, wrote to the council to object to the application, saying it will encourage street drinking in the area.
However, the council licensing department's report states: "The council will not take 'need' into account when considering an application, as this concerns 'commercial demand' and is a matter for the planning process and the market."
The application is set to go before the council's licensing subcommittee on Monday.