Tesco Stores have applied for a license to sell alcohol from 6 am until 11 pm at their new Express store when it opens in Alderley Edge on February 3rd.
Tesco have announced they will be installing digital CCTV to help prevent crime and disorder and a till prompt will appear on the initial sale of alcohol that reminds the seller of their responsibilities, including not selling alcohol to anyone under the age of 18.
These steps are not enough to reassure the residents of Clifton Street though, one of whom stated “we are deeply concerned for our safety and our right to live in our quiet street that has already suffered major upheaval caused whilst building this development.”
Residents feel the hours requested are too long, inappropriate for a residential setting and could result in drunken youths and anti-social behavior, impacting on those living in the neighbouring streets.
One resident said any license granted “should be within reasonable opening hours, i.e. exactly the same as the Cooperative Store across the road, to allow fair trading” whilst another local resident commented “Anyone who needs to buy alcohol at 6 am should not be indulged.”
The Parish Council have suggested that the following condition be added to the license: “The licensees must commit to ensure that no drinking of alcohol purchased at the premises is consumed in the streets or at any other place in Alderley Edge.”
The Licensing Sub-Committee will meet on Thursday 28th January to determine the application.
