Pizza takeaway bosses say they should be allowed to sell alcohol through a delivery service so they can compete with the likes of Uber Eats and Deliveroo.

Famous Pizza in Luton Road, Chatham, was denied permission for their plans by Medway Council after police and public health officials said it would contribute to the high levels of crime in the area.

Under the proposals, the newly-opened eatery would have sold alcohol only when a customer called to order a meal through their delivery service.

During a meeting of the authority's licensing hearing panel on Tuesday, Keith Manchanda said on behalf of the applicant that there would be no option to purchase booze in the takeaway itself, nor would it be on display.

He added how he thought it was only fair the licence was granted as residents could already order alcohol via delivery apps, and this was not something the council could necessarily police.

Mr Manchanda told councillors: "The question I ask is who is responsible for monitoring the activities and likes of UberEats?

"These employees get a message on their mobile phone, and then go to the location, collect the item for delivery in a closed bag, and deliver the bag accordingly.

"If there's alcohol in the bag, are there any 'Challenge 25' checks? When I spoke to a couple of delivery men, it was like I was speaking a foreign language.

"Times have changed with the pandemic and home delivery services have rapidly grown, offering a 24/7 service. This is a different culture after the lockdown."

Despite arguments put forward regarding how the service would help the business to grow, concerns were raised over how alcohol could fuel crime, particularly those which occur in the home.

Public health project officer Barbara Murray said: "Domestic abuse is likely to occur in the home which is a very relevant matter when considering the applicant is proposing to deliver alcohol.

"There is extensive evidence linking alcohol consumption with domestic abuse.

"There is also research which links the density of alcohol outlets in an area with the rate of domestic abuse in that area, particularly the density of off licences."

Kent Police's PC Andre Smuts said: "It is our opinion that the application has not sufficiently demonstrated what circumstances make this application exceptional and how the activity would not adversely affect the licensing objectives."