Organisers of the Whitstable Regatta have been granted a licence to sell alcohol despite police warning it will compound the problem of booze-fuelled crime.

The popular event, which looks set to attract 10,000 visitors over the weekend of Saturday, September 9, is in its 224th year and did not have one before.

Despite this, police have had to deal with numerous alcohol-related problems, including brawls and hoards of drunk youths causing trouble on the Tankerton Slopes and in St Anne’s Road.

At the last event, extra patrols were drafted in and a dispersal order put in place.

This year, the event will have a bar in a fenced-off area, with people banned from bringing their own alcohol in.

New organiser Event Umbrella, which has taken over the reins from the Whitstable and Herne Bay Lions Club, believes serving drinks in a controlled way will make it safer.

Victoria Hazell, event manager, says they will also step up security.

“Alcohol consumption is something people enjoy and unfortunately not everyone does it in a responsible way,” she said.

“We feel the sale of alcohol in a controlled environment is safer than an environment that is simply bring your own.

“We would put in a full security management for the footprint of the event, the fun fair and the fireworks. Commercial activity is what funds the event and what requires it to be safe.

“I’m not saying money is more important than health and safety but we’re trying to make the event sustainable.

"If no alcohol was sold, security on site might have to be scaled down.”

She warned the regatta would end altogether if it was unable to have a licence.

On Tuesday, the company was granted the licence to sell alcohol, despite strong opposition from police.

PC Sue Gineva argued alcohol would leave the licensed area and end up by the funfair or beach.

She said: “Alcohol is brought from home and that won’t change. If they sell alcohol as well it’s just going to compound the problem.”

The licensing committee agreed to the licence with conditions including booze being sold from 12pm to 6pm on Saturday and 12pm to 5pm on the Sunday.

There will also be a minimum of 10 approved security staff who would remain on duty after the event.