The Licensing Sub-Committee granted a new premises licence for Tesco Express at 27A-27B, The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1DN, allowing the sale of alcohol from 8am to 11pm daily and the premises to be open to the public from 6am to midnight daily. The committee also imposed several conditions on the licence, including restrictions on the sale of single cans of beer and cider, and requirements for alcohol to be secured outside of licensed hours.

Tesco Express Premises Licence Application

The Licensing Sub-Committee considered an application for a new premises licence for Tesco Express at 27A-27B, The Quadrant, Richmond, TW9 1DN. The applicant, Tesco Stores Limited, sought permission to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 6am and 11pm daily, with the premises open to the public from 6am to midnight daily.

During the consultation period, two representations were received from interested parties: the Friends of Richmond Green and the Richmond Society. Both organisations raised concerns that the premises is located within the Richmond Town Centre Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ) and argued that the applicant had not sufficiently demonstrated that granting the licence would not negatively impact the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

The Friends of Richmond Green, represented by Peter Willan, specifically objected to the proposed early start time of 6am for alcohol sales, suggesting 7am would be more appropriate, and requested that alcohol sales cease by 10pm. They also opposed the application for late-night refreshment. The Richmond Society, represented by Robert Tudway, also objected to the proposed extended hours and late-night refreshment, stating that they would withdraw their objection if alcohol sales were restricted to 8am to 10pm and no late-night refreshment was permitted.

Tesco Stores Limited, represented by Jeremy Bark, argued that the premises would not add to the cumulative impact in the area, citing that alcohol sales would constitute a small percentage of overall sales and that the store is a convenience outlet rather than alcohol-led. They highlighted their robust policies and procedures, including a Challenge 25 policy, comprehensive staff training, and advanced CCTV systems monitored by The Hub, a 24/7 resource. The Metropolitan Police did not object to the application, having agreed to a number of conditions with the applicant.

After careful consideration of all evidence, the Sub-Committee decided to grant the licence with the following conditions:

• Sale of Alcohol (off the premises): Monday to Sunday, 8am to 11pm.
• Hours premises are open to the public: Monday to Sunday, 6am to midnight.
• No single cans or bottles of beer or cider shall be sold, other than speciality or craft beers.
• All cans or bottles of beer or cider shall be sold in packs of no less than 4 and no greater than 8.
• On Major Event Days (including 'Rugby Days'), upon the direction of a police officer, the premises will immediately cease to sell alcohol until further directed by the police or until the relevant sporting event has finished.
• Outside of the hours authorised for the sale of alcohol and whilst the premises are open to the public, all alcohol within the premises shall be secured in a locked storeroom or behind locked grilles, locked screens or locked cabinet doors to prevent access.
• A log shall be kept recording crimes, ejections, complaints, disorder, CCTV faults, and visits by authorities.
• A CCTV system shall be installed, maintained, and operational at all times the premises is open for licensable activities, with recordings retained for a minimum of 31 days and accessible to the police and licensing authority.
• The Police shall be provided with reasonable access to CCTV.

The Sub-Committee noted that the applicant had not explicitly addressed the Cumulative Impact Policy in their initial application but accepted that the application form did not lend itself to such detail. They were satisfied that the applicant had demonstrated through consultation and evidence presented at the hearing that they would not add to the cumulative impact. The decision was made with regard to the Licensing Act 2003, the Council's Statement of Licensing Policy, including its Cumulative Impact Policy, and relevant case law.

Councillor Jonathan Cardy declared non-pecuniary interests as a Tesco Clubcard holder and a former trustee of Spear, a homelessness charity located near the proposed premises. He also declared knowing Peter Willan through civic events but stated he had not discussed the application with him. Councillor Lesley Pollesche (Chair) and Councillor Anton McNulty-Howard declared no interests. The minutes of the previous Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on 13 July 2026 were agreed.