Tesco’s licensing hours cause concern

by Lisa Reeves

Sunday 24^th January 2010

Sun 24^th Jan 2010

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.

Tags:: Licence Applications, Parish Council, Tesco , Tesco, Tesco Express

Comments

Here's what readers have had to say so far. Why not add your thoughts below.

David Clark

Monday 25^th January 2010 at 5:50 am

The Tesco application for a licence to sell alcohol from 6am to 11pm is for Monday to Sunday.

Tesco state on the placards they have put around the site that they are working with the community to make a difference and that they care for the environment.

The residents of Clifton Street are not chavs who can be brainwashed by Tesco.

Duncan Marr

Tuesday 26^th January 2010 at 11:41 am

Having permitted this monstrosity to be built in the first place, and having subsequently turned a blind eye to various ways it is alleged to have flouted the original provisions of the planning application, why should we be surprised if the authorities let Tesco create a haven for street winos at 6am in the morning? Pity the poor residents nearby who must be bitterly regretting the rates they pay on the one hand, and the Councillors whom they helped to elect on the other.

Claire Shaw

Tuesday 26^th January 2010 at 12:14 pm

I think the extended licencing will be a good idea for the new shop as then people can pick up a bottle of wine when all other shops in the village are closed and it will be very handy. It's not long now till it opens and I can't wait. It is already built and it's not going anywhere and I think the building is a great improvement than what it was before, hurry up and open Tesco.

John Moylan

Tuesday 26^th January 2010 at 12:16 pm

I think the licencing hours should be narrowed; perhaps to the opening hours of the local off-licences.

Kriss Coombes

Wednesday 27^th January 2010 at 3:23 pm

I agree entirely with all that with Duncan Marr says, also with the opinions expressed by the residents of Clifton St. "That the licensing hours should be the same as the Co-operative store, to allow fair trading".

I do hope that the 'mighty' Tesco is not allowed to dominate the wishes of the local residents as their building dominates the skyline.

Friday 29^th January 2010 at 4:06 pm

So Tesco have got their licence and now are ready to fill up the new shop and open on Wednesday. Hope to see lots of locals at the opening.

Brian Etchells

Friday 29^th January 2010 at 5:48 pm

You may well hope, where will they all park? Next to the fantastic coop probably and then get knocked down on the busy main road.

From what I can see most of Alderley residents are already loyal to the coop who I'm glad too see have reemployed the Somerfield staff.

Peter Knowles

Saturday 30^th January 2010 at 7:08 pm

I wish the new improved coop had come sooner...then more people would have said a big fat no to Tesco. Its soooo towny...this is a village, lets not forget that!

Sunday 31^st January 2010 at 7:47 am

The Head of Planning and Policy for Cheshire East Borough Council has confirmed in the decision document dated 21st January 2010 that Tesco opening hours shall be restricted to 0700 hours to 2300 hours Monday to Sunday. The Licensing Hours approved are now in line with that.

Despite this Tesco have stated prominently on the front window
Open 6am -11pm

Tuesday 2^nd February 2010 at 6:58 pm

On February 2nd Tesco changed the sign on the window to read:

Open 7am - 11pm

Lisa Reeves

Wednesday 3^rd February 2010 at 6:29 pm

They were due to open today but the store will now open this Friday (5th) at 8 am.

DELETED ACCOUNT false name [Paul Diablo]

Thursday 4^th February 2010 at 1:16 pm

Claire - hell will freeze over before I step into that place. It's not needed and is another example of Tesco using it's muscle to drive smaller businesses to the wall.

Thursday 4^th February 2010 at 1:52 pm

Yes as you know Tesco wanted to open 6am till 11pm like all their other stores but due to restrictions are open from 7am that's the reason for the incorrect signage, but as you said David it has now been corrected.

Paul I totally respect your decision not to shop there, but as you will soon see it will not drive out small businesses it will just create some healthy competition and more passing trade for the village.

It opens at 8am tomorrow and an opening ceremony will take place at 10.30am ish where a cheque will be donated to East Cheshire Hospice.

And hopefully Tesco will be able to trade in peace and provide a service to all who wish to use it in the village.

Thursday 4^th February 2010 at 2:05 pm

And less parking for the locals.

Michael Chapman

Friday 5^th February 2010 at 9:26 am

Claire do you work for Tesco? You seem very pro Tesco. Many villages where Tesco stores have opened have lost the local village shops. Do we want Alderley Edge just to be a mass of bars, restaurants and coffee shops?

Stewart Dyer

Saturday 6^th February 2010 at 1:53 pm

Michael, draw your own conclusions from this page:

http://bit.ly/5o5Nui

and from the identity of the 5th person from the left in the photograph on the lead article "Every little helps"

Saturday 6^th February 2010 at 2:16 pm

Just read the link, now it makes sense why Claire's comments were so positive.

Strange that her manager supports them but I suppose that says a lot about Tesco. My company would certainly not be happy if an employee goaded concerned locals in that manner.

Anyway parked outside there yestrday 2 or 3 people in, walked over to the co op, staff lovely as usual and a healthy amount of customers.

Monday 8^th February 2010 at 7:19 am

This article is now closed to comments.

Please see the most recent article regarding the opening of the Tesco Express store. http://bit.ly/aukMsa