Hounslow Council's Licensing Panel has granted a premises licence for Tesco Express on Whitton Road, but with significantly reduced hours for alcohol sales following numerous objections from local residents.
The panel decided to grant the application with amendments, restricting alcohol sales for off-premises consumption to between 09:00 and 22:00 from Monday to Saturday, and 10:00 to 22:00 on Sundays. The store's opening hours will remain from 06:00 to 00:00 daily.
The original application had sought permission to sell alcohol from 06:00 to 00:00 seven days a week. This proposal attracted 26 representations from local residents and a petition with 23 signatures, all raising concerns about potential increases in public nuisance, crime, disorder, and the protection of children from harm.
Residents presented a detailed petition and representations outlining specific issues. These included concerns about late-night noise and traffic, such as engine noise and slamming car doors, and an increase in litter, including empty bottles and cans. They also cited fears of escalating anti-social behaviour, loitering, and street drinking in the immediate vicinity. The proximity to residential areas, families, children, and nearby public transport hubs was also a significant concern. Furthermore, residents referenced police crime data for the Whitton Road area, which indicated that anti-social behaviour was already the highest category of reported crime, running at approximately 18.6 to 20.2 incidents per 1,000 residents. Concerns were also raised about the potential for extended alcohol sales to exacerbate these issues and to increase the risk of relapse for individuals attending nearby addiction recovery services. The argument was made that allowing late-night alcohol sales would undermine the council's own Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) strategy aimed at combating street drinking. Residents also noted that other local shops, including other Tesco branches, adhere to earlier closing times for alcohol sales.
The panel's decision to restrict alcohol sales to 22:00 on weekdays and Saturdays, and 22:00 on Sundays, with a later start time of 10:00 on Sundays, was made to promote the four licensing objectives: the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.
To address these concerns and promote the licensing objectives, the licence includes several additional conditions. A comprehensive CCTV system will be installed and maintained, and staff will undergo regular training on the Licensing Act 2003. A Challenge 25 proof-of-age scheme will be operated, and prominent signage will be displayed requesting patrons to leave quietly. The store will also be prohibited from selling single cans or miniature bottles of spirits, and beer, lager, or cider above 6% ABV, with exemptions for specialist or seasonal products. These measures directly support the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, and the protection of children from harm by deterring underage sales and reducing the availability of high-strength, cheaper alcohol that can contribute to public nuisance.
The Hounslow Licensing Policy (2025) generally restricts off-sales hours to between 09:00 and 23:00, with applications for extended hours requiring detailed justification. The decision to grant the licence with restricted hours and specific conditions aligns with the policy's aim to manage the impact of off-licences in residential areas, particularly within Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs), and to prevent public nuisance and crime and disorder. The panel's decision to further restrict the hours from the applicant's proposed 09:00-23:00 to 22:00 reflects the policy's cautious approach to extended hours in such areas.
Tesco Express has the right to appeal the decision to the local Magistrates’ Court within 21 days of notification. Any party aggrieved by the decision on grounds set out in schedule 5 of the Licensing Act 2003 may initiate an appeal.
