The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council granted a premises licence for Tesco Express on Whitton Road, with amended hours and conditions, following objections from local residents. Councillor Theo Dennison was appointed as the Chair of the panel.

Tesco, Whitton Road

The Licensing Panel granted a new Premises Licence for Tesco Express at 106-110 Whitton Road, Hounslow, TW3 2ES, with amendments to the original application. The sale of alcohol for consumption off the premises will be permitted from Monday to Saturday between 09:00 and 22:00, and on Sundays from 10:00 to 22:00. The store's opening hours will be from 06:00 to 00:00 daily.

The decision to grant the licence was made after considering 26 objections from local residents and a petition signed by 23 people. The primary concerns raised by objectors related to the prevention of crime and disorder, public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm. Residents expressed worries about increased late-night footfall, noise, litter, anti-social behaviour, street drinking, and the potential for increased crime and disorder, particularly given the store's location within the Hounslow Town Centre Cumulative Impact Area (CIA).¹

Tesco Stores Limited, the applicant, amended their original request to reduce the proposed alcohol sales hours to 09:00-23:00 Monday to Sunday and withdrew their application for late-night refreshment. They also offered 13 conditions, which had previously been applied to another Tesco Express store in a CIA. These conditions included the installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system, regular staff training on the Licensing Act 2003, a Challenge 25 proof of age scheme, and restrictions on the sale of single cans or bottles of beer, lager, or cider, as well as spirit miniatures and alcohol exceeding 6% ABV, with exemptions for specialist or seasonal products.

The Panel noted that the premises were located within the Hounslow Town Centre CIA, which has specific policies regarding new premises licences due to existing concerns about street drinking, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, public nuisance, and crime and disorder. While the applicant's proposed conditions and operational management were considered, the Panel decided to further reduce the alcohol sales hours to 22:00 on all days and start alcohol sales at 10:00 on Sundays. This decision was made to further promote the licensing objectives within the CIA by reducing the risk of late-night issues. The Panel concluded that these amended hours and the offered conditions justified a departure from the presumption against granting licences in CIA areas where relevant representations are received.

The Panel also resolved to appoint Councillor Theo Dennison as the Chair for the meeting. Councillor Muhammad Shakeel Akram was thanked for his attendance, while Councillor Daanish Saeed was noted as absent.