Camden Passage neighbours say the street has become a ”boozer’s paradise” after an upmarket French deli applied to sell fine wines by the glass to accompany a cheese board.

Le Coq Epicier, a tiny unit in the historic antiques district, caused a stir last year when it was given permission to sell French wines once a month at pre-booked events.

Now, Yohann Meignen wants to expand the sales of wine to anyone eating at the deli, which holds four people.

But he again faces a battle with neighbours.

One committee member of the Camden Passage Association said: “Frankly I am appalled at the audacity of the applicant. One a year ago its application was granted by the licensing committee subject to carefully considered conditions and the applicant has the gall to say it wants more.

“The present application could become abused and a grocery outlet could become a tapas bar.”

They added: “Suffice it to say Camden Passage has changed out of all recognition in the past few years. It is now a ‘boozer’s paradise’ and no longer a ‘visitor’s destination area’.

Another said the street should not be allowed to become a drinker’s haven as Upper Street has.

Chair of Islington’s planning committee Cllr Martin Klute has also objected to the application, saying it weakens the ability of the operator to control consumption of alcohol in the tiny unit.