Tesco gets drinks licence with strict conditions

A new branch of Tesco in Brighton has been granted a drinks licence despite the council previously objecting to the proposal.

The supermarket chain persuaded Brighton & Hove City Council the express branch, in Western Road, opposite Churchill Square, would not add to alcohol-related problems in the area.

The store is due to open in the vacant 194 Western Road, Brighton, formerly Currys, between Costa and Marks and Spencer. It will be able to sell drink from 08:00 to 22:00 daily.

The council’s decision letter said that Tesco had agreed to accept stringent conditions after discussions with Sussex Police.

The conditions on the premises licence include keeping alcohol behind a screen, providing staff with training every 12 weeks and employing a door supervisor on duty during licensing hours.

At least two staff members, a security guard and a team leader, will have body-worn video cameras.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, the decision letter said: “We rely on the police to be the council’s main source of advice on matters relating to the promotion of the crime and disorder licensing objective.

“Their lack of objection together with agreement of unusually onerous conditions leads us to conclude that they do not anticipate that this application will add to the problems of cumulative impact in the area.”

The council licensing team had previously said opening a new outlet selling alcohol in the busy city centre would breach its licensing policies.

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