The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council is scheduled to convene on Wednesday, 16 September 2026. The meeting's agenda includes a significant application for a premises licence for Tesco Express on Whitton Road, which has generated numerous objections from local residents and businesses. The panel will also review the council's own Licensing Policy.

Tesco Express, Whitton Road Premises Licence Application

The primary focus of the meeting is the consideration of an application for a premises licence for Tesco Express, located at 106-110 Whitton Road, Hounslow, TW3 2ES. Tesco Stores Limited has applied for a licence to sell alcohol for off-sales between 06:00 and 00:00, Monday to Sunday, and for late-night refreshments from 23:00 to 00:00, also seven days a week.

This application has attracted a substantial number of objections from local residents and businesses, as detailed in the Public reports pack. The core concerns raised in these representations centre on the potential for increased public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm.

Objectors express worries about late-night noise and disturbance from increased footfall and vehicular traffic, as well as littering and anti-social behaviour. Several representations highlight the proximity of the store to residential areas and the potential for extended alcohol sales to exacerbate existing issues, such as street drinking and vandalism. Concerns are also raised about the impact on local children, particularly regarding the visibility of alcohol sales during school commute times.

The application is situated within a cumulative impact policy area for Hounslow and North West Isleworth, Heston and Cranford. This policy creates a presumption that applications for new premises licences or variations will be refused if relevant representations are received, unless the applicant can demonstrate that their operation will not add to the cumulative impact. The Hounslow Statement of Licensing Policy 2025 outlines the council's approach to such applications, emphasising the need for applicants to demonstrate how they will promote the licensing objectives and avoid contributing to existing problems.

The panel will need to consider the applicant's operating schedule, which details proposed measures to promote the four licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance, and protection of children from harm. The representations received will be crucial in informing the panel's decision on whether to grant the application in full, modify it, or reject it.

Hounslow Licensing Policy

The meeting agenda also includes a discussion of the Hounslow Licensing Policy. This policy sets out the principles the council applies when considering licence applications under the Licensing Act 2003, aiming to promote the four licensing objectives. The policy is reviewed every five years, and the current version is the 2025 edition. It covers various aspects of licensing, including cumulative impact, core licensing hours, and enforcement.

Procedural Matters

The panel will also address procedural matters, including the appointment of a Chair for the meeting and the confirmation of the order of business. The Agenda frontsheet outlines the procedure for the conduct of panel hearings, which is designed to ensure fairness and adherence to the principles of natural justice. This includes guidance on declaring interests, the order of speaking, and the decision-making process.