The Licensing Panel E of Camden Council is scheduled to consider applications for variations to premises licences and new premises licences. The meeting will address applications from Tesco stores in Camden Town and Holborn and Covent Garden, with reports detailing the proposed changes and any representations received.

Tesco, 159-161 Camden High Street, London, NW1 7JY

The panel is scheduled to consider an application to vary the premises licence for Tesco at 159-161 Camden High Street, London, NW1 7JY. The application seeks to extend the hours for the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises to run from 06:00 to 23:00, Monday to Sunday, and to align the opening hours with these times. The current licence permits alcohol sales from 08:00 to 21:00 Monday to Thursday, 08:00 to 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays, and 10:00 to 21:00 on Sundays.

Representations opposing the application have been received from the Police, the Licensing Authority, the Public Health Strategist, and Councillor Patricia Callaghan. The Police representation highlights concerns about cumulative impact, crime and disorder, and public nuisance in Camden Town, which is described as a crime hotspot. They argue that extending alcohol sales to 06:00 would make this the earliest licensed venue in Camden Town, potentially increasing pressure on emergency services and tempting vulnerable individuals. The Licensing Authority's representation notes that the proposed hours breach the council's policy on framework hours. The Public Health Strategist's representation raises concerns about the proximity of the store to services supporting vulnerable individuals, including those experiencing homelessness and substance misuse, and points to high rates of alcohol-related ambulance callouts in the area. Councillor Callaghan also expressed concerns that the early start time could provoke crime and disorder and noise nuisance.

The report for this item can be found in the Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Licensing Panel E.pdf.

Tesco Express, Unit 1, 63-69 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DG

The panel is also scheduled to consider an application for a new premises licence for Tesco Express at Unit 1, 63-69 New Oxford Street, London, WC1A 1DG. The application seeks to permit the supply of alcohol for consumption off the premises from 06:00 to 00:00, Monday to Sunday, and late-night refreshments from 23:00 to 00:00, with overall opening hours from 06:00 to 00:00.

Representations opposing this application have been received from the Licensing Authority, Public Health, the Covent Garden Community Association, and an individual resident, Amarjit Rakhra. The Licensing Authority's representation states that the proposed hours breach the council's policy on framework hours. The Public Health representation highlights concerns about the proximity of the store to services supporting vulnerable individuals and notes significant alcohol-related harm in the locality, citing high rates of alcohol-related ambulance callouts. The Covent Garden Community Association's representation expresses concern that the ready availability of alcohol could increase theft and street drinking, and requests that alcohol sales be restricted to 08:00-23:00 daily. Amarjit Rakhra objects on the grounds of prevention of public nuisance, stating that a third alcohol retailer in the area could increase noise, customers congregating outside, litter, and disturbance.

The report for this item can be found in the Public reports pack 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Licensing Panel E.pdf.

Guidance on Remote Meetings

The meeting will begin with a discussion on the Guidance on remote meetings held under the Licensing Act 2003 and associated regulations. This item is intended to ensure that all participants are familiar with the procedures for conducting hearings remotely.

The full agenda for the meeting can be viewed in the Agenda frontsheet 29th-Oct-2026 19.00 Licensing Panel E.pdf.