Traders join forces against Tesco Express license for Gloucester
TRADERS have joined forces against plans for the new Tesco Express to sell alcohol from 6am.
They said it will lead to a 'rapid recurrence' of drinkers and drug users hanging out in St Mary de Crypt graveyard.
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Tesco Express
The supermarket giant is forging ahead with work to refit the former JJB store in Southgate Street.
On Thursday Gloucester City council is due to decided whether it will be allowed a licence to sell booze until 11pm daily.
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Manager of Cafe Rene Chris Atine has launched a petition against the application.
It been signed by 23 traders and town crier Alan Myatt who said: "I'm not against Tesco coming into the city but selling alcohol until late at night isn't a good idea.
"It will get abused with people trying to sit outside the pubs and top their drinks up, taking trade away from businesses."
The campaigners also fear the licensing hours would see a return of drug dealing, fighting and urinating in the Southgate Street area.
In their objection, they said: "It took a long and concerted effort by ourselves and police to stop this behaviour and a resurgence of it can only harm the community and reputation of the area."
They are asking for alcohol sales to be limited to 9pm at weekends.
Police had raised concerns about the application, but following discussions with Tesco have not asked for opening hours to be changed.
They have asked for spirits to be behind the counter and other alcohol not within five meters of the entrance.
A police spokesman said they were satisfied these would stop it contributing to crime and anti-social behaviour. He added: "Officers have powers to seize alcohol from people in the area if it contributes to anti-social behaviour and we do this frequently."
"We understand residents' concerns and urge people to get in contact with the local team."
To contact them call 101.
6 Comments
by gloscityguy
Wednesday, March 06 2013, 1:28AM
“I find it rather rich that the Cafe Rene say it will lead to drug dealing and fighting, seeing as I used to stagger out at 5am there, after seeing several fights, and the staff supplied more than alcohol to its patrons at the time, though I'm sure that type of thing doesn't happen there now.
Now everyone just uses the graveyard adjacent to smoke drugs, and use as a urinal.
But they are right that it would hit their profits, as it would be easier to pick up a can round the corner than queue up at the bar, and £2 a drink cheaper”
by bonzaharris1
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 10:45PM
“Are people that desperate for a drink that they need to buy a few bottles or cans at 6am ? Only the ones wanting to top themselves up after a nights drinking or alcoholics. The rest of us can wait until a reasonable hour, and pick up with our normal daily/weekly shop. Good old Tescos, like to exploit every corner of the market no matter how grubby or destructive to others, so long as the tills are going ching ching !!”
by Steve_Thomas
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 5:31PM
“Clearly, the police are only concerned about shoplifting, and only worry about street drinking and antisocial behaviour after it has happened.
There are already far too many shops selling cheap alcohol. Why are the licensing authorities not aware of this?”
by Parent51
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 1:37PM
“Who in their right mind want to buy alcoholic drinks at 6 am. Absolutely ludicrous. It will encourage street drinking and more drunkenness.
As for til late at night, it will affect pub sales, they are having a difficult time at the moment, they don't need Tesco to add to that.
I SAY NO TO TESCO SELLING BOOZE.”
by blooz
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 10:53AM
“3 Tesco stores within a pretty short distance of each other. I'd actually consider the one near the old Cattle Market within walking distance too making it 4!”
by TimMessanger
Tuesday, March 05 2013, 9:28AM
“They don't need a licence from 6am why not just walk down to their outlet at the bus station a very short walk!”