A Tesco Express store in Hounslow will be permitted to sell alcohol, but with significantly reduced hours following an outcry from local residents. The Licensing Panel of Hounslow Council met on Wednesday, September 16, 2026, to consider the application for a premises licence for the Tesco Express at 106-110 Whitton Road.
Residents lodged 26 objections and a petition with 23 signatures, primarily concerned about the proposed alcohol sales from 6 am to midnight and late-night refreshments until midnight. Their objections centred on potential increases in public nuisance, crime and disorder, and the protection of children from harm. Concerns raised included late-night noise and traffic, litter, anti-social behaviour, and street drinking, particularly given the store's proximity to residential areas and public transport hubs.
The panel noted that the premises are located within the Hounslow Town Centre Cumulative Impact Area (CIA). This area was defined based on evidence gathering and consultation with residents and local businesses, with existing concerns including street drinking, alcohol-related anti-social behaviour, public nuisance and crime and disorder
.
Tesco Stores Limited, the applicant, amended its proposal during the hearing, reducing the requested alcohol sales hours to 9 am to 11 pm Monday to Sunday and withdrawing the late-night refreshment application. The company also offered 13 conditions, including CCTV requirements, staff training, a Challenge 25 proof-of-age scheme, and restrictions on selling single cans or miniature bottles of spirits.
Despite these amendments, the Licensing Panel decided to further restrict the alcohol sales hours. The store will now be permitted to sell alcohol for off-premises consumption from 9 am to 10 pm Monday to Saturday. On Sundays, alcohol sales will be permitted from 10 am to 10 pm. The rationale for the Sunday start time of 10:00 was to further reduce the risk of alcohol-related issues and disturbance on Sunday mornings and bring the start time in line with the Sunday core hours start time in the Policy
. The store's overall opening hours will remain from 6 am to midnight.
In addition to the restricted alcohol sales hours, the licence will include conditions such as the installation and maintenance of a comprehensive CCTV system, regular staff training on the Licensing Act 2003, and prominent signage requesting patrons to leave the area quietly.
Sales of single cans or bottles of beer, lager, or cider (excluding specialist products) and miniature bottles of spirits (20cl or below, with exceptions for premium or gift packs) will also be prohibited. The sales restrictions on alcohol do not apply to 'specialist products from craft or microbreweries or limited edition or seasonal products (e.g. Christmas gift packs)'. Additionally, 'premium products, boxed gifts and seasonal packs for example pre-packaged gift packs which may contain a spirit miniature' are exempt from the restriction on miniature bottles of spirits. The meeting information does not detail how these exemptions will be monitored.
Furthermore, the store will not sell beer, lager, or cider with an ABV of 6% or greater, with exemptions for specialist craft or seasonal products.
More details on the application and the council's decision can be found in the Public reports pack Wednesday 16-Sep-2026 19.30 Licensing Panel.
