The Licensing Act 2003 Sub-Committee of Waltham Forest Council met on Friday 12 June 2026 and granted a premises licence for Sainsbury's in Leytonstone, subject to a condition regarding the strength of alcohol sold.

Grant of a Premises Licence for Sainsbury's, Leytonstone

The Sub-Committee granted a premises licence to Sainsbury's, located at 433-443 High Road, Leytonstone, E11 4JU, allowing the sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises between 07:00 and 23:00 daily. A key condition imposed on the licence is that There shall be no sale of beer, lager or cider with an ABV% content exceeding 5.5% ABV, save for craft and premium beer, lager or cider. This decision was made to uphold the licensing objectives.

The application had received four representations from local residents, primarily concerned with the prevention of public nuisance and the prevention of crime and disorder. Concerns raised included the potential for increased street drinking and anti-social behaviour, disruption from deliveries, noise disturbance for residents living above and opposite the store, and increased litter. One representation also highlighted the potential loss of essential social housing if the site was being converted from a community-based housing facility.

The Sub-Committee considered these representations and the applicant's operating schedule, which outlined steps to promote the licensing objectives. These included the display of signage requesting customers to leave quietly, the implementation of a CCTV system, and an age verification policy for alcohol sales. The decision to grant the licence with the specific condition on alcohol strength aimed to balance the applicant's request with the concerns raised by the community.

Parties with a right of appeal against this decision have twenty-one days from notification to appeal to Thames Magistrates Court.