Tesco has been granted a licence to sell alcohol from 6am until 11pm for its new Witts Hill 'Express' store, which is due to open on May 7. 'Read more' to hear our audio of reaction from Tesco, and the community which had opposed the move, and to read a meeting report.

Use the player below to hear comment on the outcome of the meeting, briefly from Tesco representative Paddy Whur, local resident Mary Finch, and Vicky Sonchatla from the SNA store (in that order). 

At the meeting of the the council's Licensing Sub-Committee on April 25, chair of the panel, Cllr Carol Cunio, said it had made its decision with due regard to the licensing act 2003, licensing objectives, statutory guidance, the adopted statement of licensing policy, human rights legislation and representations – both written and given orally – by the residents.

It had noted that the premises licence holder had agreed conditions with the police, in relation to CCTV, Challenge 25 – a retailing strategy that encourages anyone who is over 18 but looks under 25 to carry acceptable ID – and staff training, and that on this basis the police effectively had no objection, nor did any other responsible authority make a representation.

Cllr Cunio said the sub-committee had determined to grant the application from 6:00 – 23:00, with no ability to offer late night refreshments from 23:00 – midnight, which had been part of the original application.

“The subcommittee has considered very carefully the potential for problems caused by the premises in this location… but were convinced that the police were now satisfied with the application, and had withdrawn their representation.

“Despite the residents’ concerns about anti-social behaviour, careful analysis of the evidence presented did not sufficiently show that it was appropriate and necessary to refuse the licence or impose further conditions,”  

She said the sub-committee had considered legal advice, that it could only take into account those issues relating to the “full licensing objectives”. Accordingly issues of ‘need’, ‘demand’ or ‘commercial viability’ were not taken into account.

Off-licence not the same as pub

Cllr Cunio said residents had raised concerns that issues previously associated with the pub would inevitably re-occur if permission was granted, but the sub-committee was not satisfied that this off-licence was effectively the same thing, given the measures Tesco has said it will have in place to ensure its smooth running; alcohol would in fact form “part of a basket of goods available”, and wouldn’t be discounted, so therefore it was not the case that the licence would necessarily lead to anti-social behaviour returning to the area.

Cllr Cunio assured residents that the Licensing Act 2003 does allow for significant steps to be taken in the event that a premises does cause issues, and that evidence of a clear link with the premises would be taken "extremely seriously", with police or residents able to initiate a licence review.

Addressing the residents Cllr Cunio said “I know many of you will be disappointed and I sympathise,”

At this point there were interjections from the public, but after calling for calm Cllr Cunio re-emphasised that it was necessary to abide by the licensing laws, but if there was any trouble a review could be called.