Tescos: Licensing Appeal

Back in November, we joined a number of Maida Vale residents in objecting to proposals from Tescos to sell alcohol from their Lanark Road convenience store.

At the time, we felt it an inappopriate location to sell alcohol which could encourage street drinking and further increase traffic in the area. We also agreed with local residents that Maida Vale/Little Venice was sufficiently well served with licensed premises not to need another one.

After several months of deliberations, the court decision was delivered last well and Tescos has been permitted to sell alcohol during normal hours from the store. Although this is a disappointment, we are glad that, in her decision, the judge expressed sympathy with local residents about the potential problems this might cause. She also imposed a number of conditions on sale, which we all must make sure Tescos adhere to. They include:

• no increase in the number of deliveries to the store;
• the presence of a member of staff in the car park between 2.30pm and 5pm to supervise traffic and ensure the safety of local school children;
• the installation of a CCTV camera;
• no special offers or alcoholic promotions, and;
• no sale of 'super strength' alcohol.

The judge also specifically stated that any increase in street drinking in the local area would be grounds for a review of the licence.

Lee