Perfume makers are ready to create a big stink over a grocery store's plans to start selling booze.

The directors from the Bermuda Perfumery stuck their noses in the last time the Enterprise Grocery applied for a liquor licence -- and won their case.

Now they are preparing to spray more scorn on the store's new plan to sell alcohol.

Owners of the Bailey's Bay convenience store will know on August 7 whether or not their bid for a liquor licence has been successful.

Anyone wishing to object has until August 4 to state their claim.

And Bermuda Perfumery boss Colin Curtis, who led protests against the store's last application to sell alcohol in 1993, said he was now preparing to consult other directors.

Mr. Curtis is concerned the neighbourhood will be plagued with drunks, vandals and drug users if the store is allowed to stock spirits, wine and beer.

But he insisted he had nothing against the store's business plans -- he was just worried about the side-effects of a liquor licence.

"I'm currently taking advice from my fellow directors as to what position we will take,'' said Mr. Curtis.

"I haven't yet come to a formal conclusion and I want to find out if the Police will lodge any formal objection first.

"One can certainly anticipate that the problems of drunkenness and drug use would not decrease if the liquor licence was allowed.

"In principle, I have no problem with people selling liquor. But when the practical effect is that you have to go over your driveway wall to pick up syringes and Elephant Beer bottles, it puts a different perspective on it.

"That's what happened the last time the store sold alcohol. I'm trying to balance the reasonable rights of the store with the reasonable rights of us to have quiet possession of our property without vandalism.'' The perfumery is around 150 yards from Enterprise Grocery on North Shore Road in Hamilton Parish.

Grocery store owner Walter Cross, unavailable for comment last night, took over the 45-year-old store when the MarketPlace pulled out in 1993, having been denied a liquor licence.

The Court of Appeal ruled alcohol could not be sold from the premises amid objections from Mr. Curtis, Police, local residents and the Grotto Bay Beach Hotel. The store, shut down between 1991 and 1993, had previously been granted a liquor licence.

But the objectors feared a new licence would attract rummies and loiterers, who they claimed harassed visitors to the nearby tourist attractions.

They also pointed out that a previous manager of the store was stabbed in a 1990 robbery.