A HOME delivery service providing alcohol, cigarettes and condoms is set to start trading, despite fears it will “fuel further drunkenness” in Oxford.

Thousands of people have already registered with Alco-Call, which will start night-time door-to-door deliveries to homes around the city within weeks.

Police have raised concerns, as they fear youngsters may get their hands on alcohol, but manager Adam Basil, who runs eight other Alco-Call delivery services nationwide, promised his drivers would adhere to stringent controls on deliveries.

Oxford City Council granted the business a 24-hour alcohol licence on Tuesday, after Alco-Call agreed to a 16-point list of conditions recommended by police, including a Think 30 clause, which means that the company must ask for identification from anyone who looks under 30.

Alcohol, cigarettes and condoms will be stored at an Oxford warehouse and then picked up by delivery drivers once an order is placed.

Tony Cope, the Thames Valley Police licensing officer for Oxfordshire, said: “For us, the problem with a delivery service for alcohol, such as this one, is the accountability.

"If we have problems at a licensed premises, then we know where to go. With this, it’s slightly more difficult.

“But the big worry is this alcohol service may fuel further drunkenness, because it’s likely to be serving people who are already heavily under the influence once they’ve left a pub or club .

“There’s also inevitably concern that under-age people could get their hands on alcohol.”

The Oxford Alco-Call group, launched on social networking website Facebook, already has more than 4,000 members.

A price list advertises a 24-pack of lager for between £25 and £28, while a litre bottle of gin or vodka is £25.

The company will also deliver wine, tequila, alco-pops, mixers, tobacco, cigarette papers and condoms, and takeaway food may also be available at a later date.

Drivers will be on the roads seven nights a week, between 10pm and 4am on weekdays and from 10pm to 5.30am at weekends, but customers must spend a minimum of £15 for free delivery.

Mr Basil promised his drivers would not deliver alcohol to anyone who appeared drunk and said he had run a Think 25 age restriction policy since starting the company four years ago.

Drivers will only deliver to home addresses, to avoid people drinking in streets and parks, he added.

He said: “We have always had extremely stringent checks on age and never sell to anyone who is drunk.

“I believe home delivery improves antisocial behaviour, because people know that they can go to the safety of their own home and drink, rather than stay late in pubs and clubs, or be out in the street smashing bottles or in public places drinking.

“This is a very niche business and is for people who are caught out at home without alcohol. I understand the police concerns but we’re a responsible business.”

Students will receive 10 per cent discount if they show a valid NUS card.

Elizabeth Mills, the chairman of the Divinity Road Area Residents’ Association, in East Oxford, said: “The amount of alcohol students in this area drink is scary.

“But I would rather they puke in their homes than puke on the pavements.”