Tesco has secured a new premises licence for its store at Unit 2, Hightail Point, Anthems Way, Stratford, E20 1JZ, following a decision by the Newham Council's Licensing (2003 Act) Sub-Committee on Monday, July 6, 2026.
The licence authorises the sale of alcohol for off-premises consumption and late-night refreshment, with the store permitted to operate from 6 am to midnight, seven days a week. This decision came after an application was submitted by Tesco Stores Limited.
During the hearing, the committee addressed concerns raised by two residents regarding crime and disorder, public nuisance, the protection of children from harm, and public safety. Specific details of these concerns are contained within restricted appendices of the reports pack.
Initially, the council's Licensing Team and Commercial Environmental Health Team had also made representations. However, these were withdrawn after Tesco agreed to incorporate additional conditions into the licence. These conditions, detailed in Appendix B of the reports pack, include restrictions on the sale of high-alcohol content beers, ciders, lagers, and stouts (over 6% ABV, with exceptions for craft/premium products), a ban on selling spirits in bottles less than 35cl (except in gift packs), and a prohibition on selling single bottles of beer, cider, lager, and stouts (again, with exceptions for craft/premium products).
Discussions also focused on the proximity of the proposed store to local amenities, including a playground. While maps were presented to illustrate the location, a discrepancy emerged regarding the exact distance and presence of a playground. The licensing officer and Tesco's representatives, including Senior Licensing Manager Hardish Purewal and Jeremy Bark from BCLP, used maps to show that the only identifiable playground was located near Timber Lodge, described as a fair distance away
and a significant way
from the store. This contrasted with one resident's assertion that a playground was only a few feet away.
The committee acknowledged this discrepancy, noting that the applicant was unaware of any playground in close proximity.
Tesco detailed its comprehensive policies for responsible alcohol retailing, which include a Think 25
policy, thorough staff training, and the implementation of CCTV systems.
The committee ultimately granted the licence with all proposed conditions, alongside further specified conditions outlined in the decision letter. The full written decision, including the committee's reasoning, will be issued to Tesco within five working days. Any party wishing to appeal has 21 days from the date of the decision letter to lodge an appeal at the Magistrates' Court.
For more information on the meeting, refer to the Agenda frontsheet and the Public reports pack.
