An application to Bristol City Council for permission to sell khat from the back of a car in Easton has been withdrawn.

Hassan Yasin Ali had applied for permission to sell the drug from the back of his P-registered Ford Mondeo in Stapleton Road and his request was due to be heard by a city council licensing committee yesterday.

But shortly before the hearing was due to begin yesterday afternoon, Mr Ali arrived at the Council House and withdrew his application. He declined to explain why the application had been withdrawn.

Mr Ali had asked for permission to sell the drug, which is not illegal and can be bought from shops, between 2pm-12.01am, Monday to Sunday.

Police objected to consent being given to Mr Ali on the grounds that it would have a negative impact on the area.

PC Alison Wakely, a violence and alcohol crime reduction officer, said police had already received complaints about trading from the vehicle which had caused parking problems and other road traffic issues.

Khat is particularly popular among the 28,000 Somali community in Bristol.

For the purposes of street trading laws, khat is classed as a vegetable.

In a report to councillors written ahead of the hearing, PC Wakely said chewing the leaf releases toxins which have stimulant properties similar to amphetamine.