The Licensing Sub-Committee met to consider an application for a new premises licence for Tesco Stores Limited, 12-18 High Road, London, N2 9PJ. After hearing from the applicant, a local resident, and Councillor Claire Farrier speaking on behalf of three residents, the sub-committee resolved to grant the application, with some variations to the opening hours.

New Premises Licence for Tesco Stores Limited

The sub-committee considered a report from the Licensing Manager regarding an application from Tesco Stores Limited for a new premises licence at 12-18 High Road, East Finchley.

The application was for:

• The sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises, Monday to Sunday between 06:00 and 00:00
• Opening hours of the premises, Monday to Sunday between 06:00 and 00:00
• The provision of late-night refreshments for consumption indoors, Monday to Sunday between 23:00 and 00:00

The report noted that the Metropolitan Police had raised no objections to the application, and that no objections had been received from other responsible authority representatives. However, multiple representations had been received from local residents, raising concerns about noise nuisance, antisocial behaviour and the late selling of alcohol.

The sub-committee was reminded that it could grant the application in full, grant the application with modifications, or reject it in whole or in part.

Representations

The sub-committee heard from representatives of the applicant, Tesco Stores Limited, who stated that alcohol sales were a small part of Tesco's business. They highlighted Tesco's policies, including Think 25 training¹, a detailed programme of staff training, and a commitment to working with the local community. They also stated that they would consider limiting late-night refreshments to hot drinks only, and that deliveries of alcohol would be incorporated into general deliveries.

A local resident spoke to say that they felt a Tesco would be beneficial to the area, but raised concerns about the hours of alcohol sales and late-night refreshment, suggesting that alcohol sales should be limited to between 8am and 11pm, and that there was no need for late-night refreshment beyond 11pm.

Councillor Claire Farrier spoke on behalf of three residents, focusing on concerns about nuisance and antisocial behaviour. She noted the proximity of the store to the station, residential flats, a nursery, and a park, and suggested that the opening hours should be restricted to 8am-10pm, with no deliveries after 10pm.

Decision

The Licensing Sub-Committee resolved to grant the application for a premises licence with the additional conditions set out in Section M of the application, with a variation to the opening operating times.

The conditions included:

• A detailed programme of comprehensive training for employees, regularly reviewed and recorded.
• A digital CCTV system covering the premises, with images retained for 31 days.
• A member of the management team to be on the premises at all times, with responsibility for the premises and as the initial point of contact for any issues.
• The premises licence holder to be fully aware of its responsibilities under health and safety legislation, with appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• A good neighbour ethos to ensure the premises plays an active part in the local community.
• Operation of a Think 25 policy, with checkouts programmed to prompt staff to follow the policy, and regular refresher training provided to all colleagues.

The variation to the opening operating times was:

• Sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises: Monday to Sunday 06:00 to 23:00
• Opening hours of the premises: Monday to Sunday 06:00 to 00:00
• Provision of late-night refreshments for consumption indoors: Monday to Sunday 23:00 to 00:00