Area residents have opposed plans to sell alcohol at the former Twins Variety in Flatts Village.

The new owners of the corner store have applied for a liquor licence a petition has been signed by 59 persons who argue the move would increase traffic and bring more loiterers.

They also believe it's a bad idea as the store sits near two schools Whitney Institute Middle School and Impact Mentoring Academy.

A liquor licence hearing is scheduled for Thursday. Dozens of community members are expected to attend to voice their protest.

"What we're trying to impress upon the Liquor Licensing [Authority] is we welcome the store but definitely not for liquor," said a spokesman for the homeowners who would not give his name. "There are numerous concerns the kids come off the hill in droves, the fact that it's so close to a school, and the traffic and all manner of problems that will potentially ensue."

Now called Belvin's Variety Flatts, the store is part of a chain including Belvin's Variety in Devonshire, and Belvin's Variety Bailey's Bay. The other two convenience stores both sell alcohol.

Objections can only be lodged by persons who reside within 300 yards of the store. "We got almost total opposition for the liquor licence," said the spokesman. "These two schools are definitely within the radius of the zone so we just want to have that highlighted.

"There's limited parking in the area which would result in traffic congestion and a danger to road users. Obviously we would expect that the schools have major concerns. The people in the area have had problems with drivers and trespassing."

The homeowner added there could be problems with loiterers drinking and discarding the bottles on the ground.

"Why should there be a liquor shop at every corner? If you're leaving Hamilton, on every road you could probably find a minimum of three liquor stores on the way to Flatts."

The store's owner did not return phone calls by press time.