yesterday with their lawyer, Mr. Alan Dunch, claiming there was no factual basis for evidence given by objectors.

The Liquor Licensing Authority turned down the store's application for a licence last December, citing the growing use of alcohol among Bermuda high school students, as well as the possibility for littering and loitering in the area.

The store's Supreme Court appeal of the decision was shot down in May by Chief Justice Sir James Astwood, who said liquor "should not be available for sale to anyone in such an important and sensitive district where young people are engaged in academic pursuits''.

Mr. Dunch, however, questioned the validity of the objections saying they were "speculative at best''. Mr Dunch said that none of those who appeared before the licensing authority had any "hard facts to support their objections''.

"Concern is not reasonable unless proven,'' he said.

Addressing worries that students would be afforded access to alcohol, Mr.

Dunch said the store's owner, Mr. George Whitecross, planned to have the liquor area partitioned off from the rest of the store by a solar-roll door, which would only be opened during designated hours.

It was also emphasised that customers would have to request their items from an employee behind a counter, and identification would be required when the person's age was in question.

Giant Foods has satisfied the criteria required, said Mr. Dunch, and should be granted a liquor licence.

But lawyer Mr. Kim White, representing objectors, reiterated that studies showed abuse of alcohol was directly linked to its availability.

Regardless of the store's arrangements, he said, teenagers would have easier access to alcohol if Giant Foods obtained the licence.

Addressing Mr. Dunch's assertion that the concerns expressed by those opposing had no factual basis, Mr. White said: "Obviously, if there is no licence, one cannot have solid evidence.'' But he said residents of the area should not have to "suffer through problems'' in order to prove their case.

And although there are no present loitering or littering problems at the store, Mr. White said the situation was sure to change once liquor sales commence.

The hearing continues today.