Tesco c-store turned down for alcohol licence

Published: 23 July, 2008

A Tesco-owned convenience store in Manchester has been refused an alcohol licence as officials felt it may increase instances of drink-related disorder.

Salford Council's licensing committee refused the application from the Tesco-owned chain for the new store in Cholmondeley Road after receiving more than 30 objections, including one from the police.

The committee said in its judgement: "We were concerned that the applicants (legally represented and with three senior staff present) could give no indication of any pricing policies in relation to the cost of alcoholic lines.

"The pricing of the alcohol could have a bearing on the attraction of the shop to a particular class/age of potential clientele."

The police argued that even if the youths were properly refused, they would move out of the range of CCTV cameras and intimidate adults to buy alcohol on their behalf.

They also said that gangs may be made up of young adults as well as youths and that the adults would legitimately be able to buy alcohol, then pass it on to youths.

The store manager argued he would try to move groups away from the outside of the premises, but would call the police if the groups or gangs would not move on.

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