A CROSSGATES shop has been granted a licence to sell alcohol despite objections by NHS Fife.

Mossgreen Stores was given the go-ahead on Monday by the Fife Licensing Board.

NHS Fife said granting permission for the licence wouldn't do anything to "improve" public health in Crossgates.

The objection came amid efforts by the board to explore ways of limiting the number of off-licences selling alcohol in recent months.

Stats linking the availability of booze with the number of hospital admissions, anti-social behaviour and deaths have been presented to committees across Fife this year.

However, many councillors have voiced their reservations, concerned with how a blanket approach may affect regeneration plans and harm shops in small villages like Mossgreen Stores in Crossgates.

Margaret Hannah, director of Public Health, said: “We are working closely with partner agencies to achieve a reduction in alcohol-related harm across Fife, as well as alcohol-related deaths, which are at their highest level in almost two decades.

“As a statutory consultee for all new licensed premises in Fife, we have a responsibility to respond to applications where there are concerns over public health. As such, we do not believe Mossgreen Stores would protect or improve public health in the area, which is one of the five objectives set down by the Fife Licensing Board alongside consideration of whether there is an over-provision of licensed premises in an area.”

While NHS Fife objected to the application, others offered their support, such as local Graham Dewar.

He wrote to Fife Licensing Board: "I moved to the new Miller development a little under 18 months ago and since Robert took over at Mossgreen Stores he has transformed it into a great local shop selling quality products but it would be even better if granted a licence.

"There are no other shops at all (never mind with a licence) within a reasonable walking distance so there is certainly not an over-provision in this area.

"I accept that granting a licence isn't something to be taken lightly, however, there is now a 140-house development at this end of the village with only one shop."

Councillor Alex Campbell, who represents Crossgates, agreed with the Fife Licensing Board decision. He told the Press: "I fully understand that alcohol is an issue when it is abused, and we have to be careful when granting licences.

"It's a very difficult topic because we are concerned about the situation and it needs to be managed.

"However, it’s the classic issue of the minority causing problems for the majority and I was in support of Mossgreen Stores being granted a licence.

"There is not a great number of stores for people to buy alcohol in the village but I can appreciate what NHS Fife are saying."