New Tesco store in Leicester breaks high-strength booze pledge
A Tesco store has been caught selling high-strength alcohol – contrary to a promise the company made when it was seeking to open the shop.
Last summer, Tesco agreed none of the ciders, lagers or beers on sale in the shop next to Leicester railway station would be stronger than 5.5% alcohol by volume.
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Tennent's Super lager – 9% alcohol – was on sale at the Tesco in London Road, Leicester
The company made the pledge because councillors and neighbours were concerned another alcohol outlet would add to the neighbourhood's problems of street drinking and rowdy behaviour.
Yesterday, the Leicester Mercury bought a four-pack of Tennent's Super lager, at 9%, and a bottle of 7.5% Diamond White cider.
The high-strength drinks are favoured by street drinkers who, residents and businesses say, plague the neighbourhood.
The shop, on the junction of London Road and Conduit Street, is near the Dawn Centre, Leicester's main homeless shelter.
Many of the centre's residents are heavy drinkers, while others are recovering alcoholics.
A nearby business owner said; "I don't know whether it's a mistake or not, but these are the types of drinks popular with the people who make doing business around here so difficult.
"We see empty bottles and cans like this all over Conduit Street and the surrounding area and the people we see hanging around here drinking all day are either helplessly drunk or aggressive.
"People were not comfortable when Tesco announced it wanted to open the store here.
"That concession to not sell those high-strength drinks gave us all some reassurance."
Councillor Patrick Kitterick, whose ward includes part of London Road and Conduit Street, said: "Tesco promised it would not stock products such as these because they are regularly used by street drinkers.
"That was one of the concessions which convinced the committee to grant the licence.
"If they have gone back on that promise, I would be very concerned."
Sgt Sean Moore, Leicestershire police's licensing officer, confirmed the conditions of the shop's licence prohibited the sale of beers, lagers or ciders stronger than 5.5 per cent.
He said he would contact the company and ask it to remove the products.
He said: "We will raise this with the managers and see what they have to say about it."
Originally, Tesco applied for an alcohol licence to run from 6am until 11pm.
In response to concerns from councillors and neighbours, the company instead asked for and was granted a licence between 8am and 11pm. As well as the self-imposed ban on strong drinks, it said it would employ security staff, install CCTV and train the more than 20 staff to the highest standards on the law governing the sale of alcohol to under-18s and people who are already drunk.
Businesses which breach the conditions of licences can be called before a committee of councillors, who have the power to impose further conditions and, in extreme cases, take away the right to sell alcohol.
Councillor John Thomas, chairman of the council's licensing committee, said he could not comment on individual cases. However, he said: "Businesses which have alcohol licences should adhere to the conditions of that licence."
A Tesco spokesman said the company was looking into the matter.
11 Comments
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by JBG, Willoughby Leics
Friday, February 12 2010, 3:34PM
“Get Real and forget about Tescos.The council should concentrate on getting rid of the street drinkers and the begging which funds it...They do nothing for our city centre except to put shoppers and visitors off from visiting our city centre and all it has to offer.”
by Jane, West End
Wednesday, February 10 2010, 11:40AM
“Promise at Licensing Hearing for the Hinckley Road Express - deliveries will be 5 days a week, only one small vehicle, times in consultation with local residents.
Reality - deliveries 7 days a week, 7 large trailers with engines, no regard for local residents.
Do the Council care that they were misled? No.
Am I surprised Tesco has gone back on their word re sale of alcohol at the London Road Express? No”
by Si, Aylestone
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 2:48PM
“We shouldn't be surprised that Tescos have gone back on their word. Supermarkets have a habit of being granted self-imposed limits etc. and the breaching them when they feel like it. Slowly they build up more power - it's all fine as long as your groceries are cheap and it's not your business they're targeting. When that day comes the realisation that they weren't perhaps to be trusted will be too late.
Street drinkers will go where the strong beer is, and they'll go where it's cheapest - an income of approx £65 per week gives about £9 a day for booze (if managed sensibly via a loan system with other street drinkers). Tesco know this, they don't just stock goods at random, and will have made this decision to target street drinkers.
It's a good job they've been hit really hard this time - they definitely won't cross Leicester Council again.”
by Dan, Oadby
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 1:52PM
“Was it only "thier word" they gave as promise or did they have a condition written into thier alchoel / store licence. Then if the licence is broken it can be revoked. But one store selling high % booze will not make much of a difference in terms of causing anti social behaviour, granted it is a big issue but it needs tackling on a wide scale.”
by Rich, Leicester
Tuesday, February 09 2010, 1:14PM
“Trevor Jayes, syston - you miss the point - all the other shops in the same area sell wine, spirits and strong beers, so why should Tesco not be allowed to sell them???”