Health chiefs have objected to plans by a cafe to sell alcohol because of the rate of drink-related sexual crimes in the area.
Perth Road coffee shop Espress Oh! has applied for a licence to sell alcohol to sit-in and takeaway customers, but NHS Tayside has objected to the move.
Dr Lynne Hamilton, locum consultant in public health, wrote to Dundee licensing board claiming the application does not promote the objectives of preventing crime and disorder, securing public safety, preventing public nuisance, protecting and improving public health and protecting children from harm.
She said: “Evidence presented … indicates that this area already has more than one-and-a-half times the average of on-sales licensed premises compared to the Dundee average.
“The area is also above the average rate for alcohol-related sexual crimes in Dundee.”
The report said the caf had been described as “family friendly”.
Dr Hamilton said: “Could this ambience be maintained in the event that a licence was granted allowing alcohol to be purchased and taken away by patrons, albeit with the caveat that they had already eaten on the premises?
“Given that no credible evidence has been provided to demonstrate that this specific application would not contribute over- provision, we would urge the licensing board to refuse this application.”
Janet Hood, a solicitor who assisted with the application, did not wish to comment on the specific case, but said: “Dundee licensing board looks at every decision on its merits.
“It is known by the health board that there has been a falling in alcohol harm as people turn their backs on alcohol in favour of a healthier lifestyle. We are a long way from where we were 10 years ago.”
The application will be considered on Thursday.
Espress Oh! did not respond to a request for comment.