The Redditch Borough Council Licensing Sub-Committee convened to consider an application for a new premises licence. The Sub-Committee was also scheduled to discuss the possible exclusion of the public and press from the meeting, if confidential information needed to be discussed.

Grant of a Premises Licence - Tesco Express, Birchfield Road

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider an application from Tesco Stores Limited for a premises licence for the Tesco Express at 135 Birchfield Road in Redditch.

The application was for:

• Late Night Refreshment: Every day from 23:00 to 00:00
• Sale of Alcohol: Every day from 06:00 to 00:00

According to the report pack, the designated premises supervisor identified in the application was Mr Steven Nicholas Andrzejuk.

The report pack noted that two representations had been received from other persons, and included them in Appendix 2 of the report.

One representation came from Julie Jarvis, who stated that she wished to object to the licensing application submitted by Tesco Stores Limited for 135 Birchfield Road, Headless Cross, Redditch (alcohol sales until 00:00 daily and late-night refreshment 23:00–00:00). She stated:

When first discussed, residents were informed the new shop hours would cease at 22:00, which was reasonable. Extending this to midnight undermines several Licensing Act 2003 objectives:

• Prevention of public nuisance midnight sales will cause late-night noise, loitering, and disturbance in a residential area.
• Prevention of crime and disorder longer hours increase risks of antisocial behaviour and alcohol-related incidents.
• Public safety midnight availability raises the likelihood of disorder around the premises.
• Protection of children from harm families living nearby would be exposed to late night disruption.

I therefore respectfully request that the licensing hours be restricted to no later than 22:00 (10pm), in line with the original proposal.

The other representation came from Helen Colcombe, who stated:

When the development was first proposed, it was made clear to the community that the store would open between 06:00 and 22:00. This felt like a fair compromise: long enough hours to serve the local area, but not so late that it would disturb residents. It is extremely disappointing that, before the store has even opened, Tesco is now seeking to extend alcohol sales until midnight and to serve food until 23:00–00:00.

This represents a significant departure from what was originally communicated and will have a direct negative impact on local residents.

Helen Colcombe also raised concerns relating to: prevention of public nuisance; prevention of crime and disorder; and protection of children and public safety.

The report pack stated that the sub-committee is obliged to determine the application with a view to promoting the licensing objectives¹, and that it must also have regard to the guidance issued by the Secretary of State under section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003² and the council's own statement of licensing policy.

Exclusion of Public and Press

The sub-committee was scheduled to consider excluding the public from the meeting if it was felt that exempt information was likely to be divulged. The grounds for exclusion were listed as:

• Paragraph 1 – Any Individuals
• Paragraph 2 – Identity of Individuals
• Paragraph 3 – Financial or Business Affairs
• Paragraph 7 – The Prosecution of a Crime