ALCOHOL could be on sale around the clock in the Evesham branch of Tesco if an application for a 24-hour licence is successful.

The Worcester Road store is one of more than 400 supermarkets in the country, including branches of Asda and Sainsbury, applying for the new licences.

Tesco in Gloucester was one of the first to get the go-ahead when its application was approved nearly two months ago.

At the moment the Evesham store, which is open from 8am Monday until 10pm Saturday and from 11am to 4pm on Sunday, is only licensed to sell alcohol from 8am until 11pm on any day.

Store manager Kevin Wright said: "It is not going to make a dramatic amount of difference except at Christmas when people want to do their shopping at different times and can't complete it because they can't buy alcohol.

"I don't anticipate it being a massive money spinner for us during the rest of the year, nor do we expect any trouble.

"The company feels that it is the right thing to do for the customer."

Although a national policy, the Evesham store's application will be heard by the local licensing authority, Wychavon District Council, and a decision is expected before Christmas.

Evesham police beat manager Paul Adams has declined to comment until the application is lodged.

Under new licensing rules, which come into effect at the end of November, applicants have to satisfy four criteria - crime and disorder, public safety, public nuisance and crime against children - which are considered by authorities including the police.