Topic ID 815
Tesco have applied to the local authority for a licence to sell alcohol 24 hours-a-day.
Reply ID 8986
Sounds like gangs of people hanging around Hartham and street benches/corners after closing hours, with crates of beer/alcopops picked up from our community focused corner shop.
Reply ID 8989
I heard an unsubstantial rumour some time back that Tesco's were looking to cut back on the 24 hour opening because of the problems of having alcohol in the store. I would expect the local police to put up strong objections to this; and equally strong opposition from all local residents. One for the Bengeo group to consider; as having bought their drink local lads and lasses are liable to move on to Hartham and beyond to consume same. The police have indicated at more than one meeting I've attended that they will not support any application beyond 2.00pm and no one in their right mind wants one and only one outlet selling booze all night long.
Reply ID 9005
Proabably the closed Deli counter will become extra shelving for the late night beer sales !! I for one agree with the new more flexible licencing laws but no whay should that include shops selling 24 hours. What a waste of police time it will be moving on drinkers hanging about outside or in there cars in the carpark.
Reply ID 9019
i think it a good idea, people who work shifts might want a drink after a hard day and the pubs could be closed or you might not be dressed right to go out, they can at least have a drink at home. or for people who finish work at 10pm or 11pm then go out and drink too quickly as they only have a couple of hours causes more trouble. knowing you can buy some on your way home might stop people drinking too much too fast! Gini
Reply ID 9025
quote:Do we need the idiots who drink on the streets? Or organisation of putting it in the fridge to drink at home in normal opening hours [?]
Originally posted by Gini
i think it a good idea, people who work shifts might want a drink after a hard day and the pubs could be closed or you might not be dressed right to go out, they can at least have a drink at home. or for people who finish work at 10pm or 11pm then go out and drink too quickly as they only have a couple of hours causes more trouble. knowing you can buy some on your way home might stop people drinking too much too fast! Gini
Reply ID 9033
Can see very little benefit to most in the community except possibly shareholders in Tesco....
Reply ID 9034
Does anyone remember the stink kicked up when Sunday hours changed to all day? No problems![maybe a hangover on monday]Its our Human right to drink when we want,arnt we controled enough as it is?VIVA LA RESISTANCE..
Reply ID 9040
Have to agree with Del. If the yobs that drink in public wanted to drink all night, they can just buy more booze at 11.00pm. Cant really see the difference weather its 11.00pm or 3.00pm. There are certain people that like to do there weekly shops in the middle of the night, I guess that includes booze for some people? I for one always hit Tescos in the early hours at Xmas and was very upset at the fact I could not buy my Xmas booze at the same time. Too many negative thoughts on the whole thing. Look at a negative and change it into a positive. Surely the staff will be briefed to not sell booze to underage kids or people that are noticeably hammered. If it does start to create a problem the police will revoke their license, just as they would a pub.
Reply ID 9053
quote:It is an offence for a licence holder or their agent (in this case employee) to sell alcohol to a. anyone who is underage or appears to be underage (there must be photographic evidence produced to show age if challenged) b. anyone who is attempting to buy alcohol for same c. anyone who is drunk or appears drunk d. anyone who is attempting to buy alcohol for same The licence holder and agent/employee are both liable for proscecution if found doing so. It is called 'duty of care'. So, YES they could lose their licence. For your interest, it is also an offence to sell alcohol to a police officer in uniform and a prostitute. The magistrates always expect you to be able to quote that rule!
Originally posted by Victor Meldrew
Have to agree with Del. If the yobs that drink in public wanted to drink all night, they can just buy more booze at 11.00pm. Cant really see the difference weather its 11.00pm or 3.00pm. There are certain people that like to do there weekly shops in the middle of the night, I guess that includes booze for some people? I for one always hit Tescos in the early hours at Xmas and was very upset at the fact I could not buy my Xmas booze at the same time. Too many negative thoughts on the whole thing. Look at a negative and change it into a positive. Surely the staff will be briefed to not sell booze to underage kids or people that are noticeably hammered. If it does start to create a problem the police will revoke their license, just as they would a pub.
Reply ID 9054
What about a prositiute dressed in a policewomans uniform that has finished for the night?
Reply ID 9055
Perhaps we need to start a separate topic devoted to Tesco.
Reply ID 9061
Remember having a giggle about that when applying for a license!
Reply ID 9063
quote:I thought this thread was devoted to Tesco!
Originally posted by Ewoowar
Perhaps we need to start a separate topic devoted to Tesco.
Reply ID 9064
quote:By topic I mean that rather than have odd 'threads' under the topic called 'shopping' we should have an entire thread devoted to 'Tesco' where people could start their Tesco related threads. It appears that Tesco crops up repeatedly!
Originally posted by Roosterquote:I thought this thread was devoted to Tesco!
Originally posted by Ewoowar
Perhaps we need to start a separate topic devoted to Tesco.
Reply ID 9210
i think it's definitely good news... more freedom, less control. sadly there are always those that would not be able to handle the freedom in a decent manner, so perhaps Tesco should be forced to take on extra security (bouncers) to deal with them?
Reply ID 9221
Perhaps Tesco's can provide a fund for residents and shopkeepers that have their property smashed to pieces. And I have witnessed underage kids been served in Tesco's. Bah humbug!
Reply ID 9231
I have seen young children served alcohol too. The checkout operator appeared to be too intimidated by the situation to know what to do. It looked like it must have been the first time she had been confronted by children trying to buy alcohol.
Reply ID 9239
*** CONGRATULATIONS *** 1001 Posts - - horray for Ewoowar!!!! [:D] [:D] [:D] [:D]
Reply ID 9242
quote:So where's my flashing lights! I was half expecting my description to change from 'Advanced Member' to 'Sad B*****d'.
Originally posted by Steve
*** CONGRATULATIONS *** 1001 Posts - - horray for Ewoowar!!!! [:D] [:D] [:D] [:D]
Reply ID 9267
I've stopped kids buying alcohol in the same circumstances before, the till operator was clearly not going to say anything so I did! The kids gave me some verbal insults up to the point that they clearly noticed me getting slightly irritated and they ran off! I'm not suggesting everyone should do this, but it easy (certainly in tesco) to find anothermember of staff who will stop it from happening. If kids buy it once they will most certainly come back for more...
Reply ID 9308
Is it just co-incidence that at a time when the deli is being dropped and presumable less reliance on staff, Tesco go for a 24hr licence which will involve extra staff on the shop floor, including I presume a member of staff at all times who holds a new personal license.
Reply ID 9314
quote:A holder of a new Personal Alcohol Licence does NOT have to be on the premises 24/7. Neither does the designated premises supervisor.
Originally posted by sloopjohnb
Is it just co-incidence that at a time when the deli is being dropped and presumable less reliance on staff, Tesco go for a 24hr licence which will involve extra staff on the shop floor, including I presume a member of staff at all times who holds a new personal license.
Reply ID 9315
quote:That's ridiculous - what's the point of an individual rather than a premises being licensed then?
[i]Originally posted by Rooster A holder of a new Personal Alcohol Licence does NOT have to be on the premises 24/7. Neither does the designated premises supervisor.
Reply ID 9316
Both the premises AND an individual need to be licensed. http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/Licensing/Index.htm
Reply ID 9317
Rooster, go along with what you're saying but it puts an awful responsibility on checkout and supervisory staff to decide who is or isn't 18+, especially at a vulnerable time of day. I think the fear of Town Council and others who have publicly expressed their objection is that the majority of people who will turn up to buy alcohol are not the type of person to be put off by someone stating that 'I can't serve you because in my opinion you are already drunk'. As a person who believes that when he dies he will have to serve purgatory by spending eternal Sundays in Tesco stores doing the weekly shop, I would happily shop in the small wee hours for Mrs Sloop's bottle of Wincarnis but I would not like to be met by hordes of refugees from the town centre looking for a top up.
Reply ID 9319
quote:If no "responsible" person is on site, and the staff sell alcohol to under-age kids, are the staff culpable?
Originally posted by Steve
Both the premises AND an individual need to be licensed.
Reply ID 9320
quote:Nora, in reply to your question: As stated in a previous post, YES the cashier is liable for prosecution along with the designated premises supervisor/personal licence holder because he/she is acting as a responsible agent for the aforesaid licence holder. But, remember they have to be 'caught in the act', so to speak. Crazy isn't it.
Originally posted by nora battyquote:If no "responsible" person is on site, and the staff sell alcohol to under-age kids, are the staff culpable?
Originally posted by Steve
Both the premises AND an individual need to be licensed.
Reply ID 9324
quote:Do we need the idiots who drink on the streets? Or organisation of putting it in the fridge to drink at home in normal opening hours [?] [/quote] some people are not that organised!!! i only buy alcohol when i intend on drinking it,[:p] so i dont keep anything but food in my fridge![;)] if i have had a long stessful day, that might not finish till the middle of the night, and i decide i want to sit back and relax with a bottle of wine,[:p] i will call at tescos buy my drink go home and enjoy it[:D] Gini
Originally posted by Tigger
Reply ID 9325
It's the few that would ruin it - threaten the Tesco staff, etc. If well 'Policed' OK. Most hopefully would be buying it for the reasons of relaxation, others maybe not. If they are not served, would they be waiting outside for someone that had been and then end up without it anyway. Should we put tempation in the way of those who would abouse the privalige [B)]
Reply ID 9336
should we all suffer for the few that might abuse this service. i think not. the few who might abuse it should be dealt with but the rest of us shouldn't loose a service because of the minority. Gini
Reply ID 9703
If you feel strongly on the matter of Tesco's application for 24 hour alcohol sales I believe you have until 24th August to write to object.
Reply ID 9713
Is there any where you can object online ?
Reply ID 9734
quote:I don't think you can object online. However you can get information on licensing policy her: http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/Licensing/Index.htm I found the following very interesting; The Licensing Act aims to promote four key objectives: The prevention of crime and disorder Public safety The prevention of public nuisance The protection of children from harm
Originally posted by Stan
Is there any where you can object online ?
Reply ID 9736
It appears that licensing issues are managed by; Community Protection Section , East Herts Council on 01992 531467.
Reply ID 9900
For info "Supermarkets in 24-hour booze bid" BBC News http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/business/4184898.stm
Reply ID 9908
quote:OBJECTIONS CAN BE MADE BY EMAIL TO THE COMMUNITY PROTECTION SECTION FOR THE ATTENTION OF THE LICENCING SUB-COMMITTEE, AS CAN SUPPORT!!
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:I don't think you can object online. However you can get information on licensing policy her: http://www.eastherts.gov.uk/Licensing/Index.htm I found the following very interesting; The Licensing Act aims to promote four key objectives: The prevention of crime and disorder Public safety The prevention of public nuisance The protection of children from harm
Originally posted by Stan
Is there any where you can object online ?
Reply ID 9912
Supermarkets doen't make people drink. Address the cause, not the symptom.
Reply ID 9914
Have to agree with Dude. If Tesco were restricted to selling alcohol beteen the hours of 1pm and 2pm on Wednesday afternoon, you won't be able to stop someone drinking it any time they want.
Reply ID 9918
quote:No. Address BOTH.
Originally posted by Dude
Supermarkets doen't make people drink. Address the cause, not the symptom.
Reply ID 9919
I think it is a little unfair to Tesco to blame them for wanting a 24 hour alcohol licence. The store is open 24 hours therefore it is reasonable for them to want to sell alcohol while the store is open. (I noticed that Stevenage store is applying for a 24 hour licence too.) My guess is that Tesco Head office has applied for 24 hour licences for all of its 24 hour stores as a matter of corporate policy as it would be time consuming for them to consider each individual store on its own merits. It is down to the local application mechanism to grant or deny the licence as is seen fit, and if enough people in Hertford make there feelings known to the magistrates that grant the licence could be rejected.
Reply ID 9922
Good greaf what is the problem?bring it on i say..Control control control..[}:)]
Reply ID 9923
quote:Tesco will do whatever they can get away with in order to make money. Morals and ethics are cast aside in the strive for profit. So I do blame Tesco.
Originally posted by jez_p
I think it is a little unfair to Tesco to blame them for wanting a 24 hour alcohol licence. The store is open 24 hours therefore it is reasonable for them to want to sell alcohol while the store is open. (I noticed that Stevenage store is applying for a 24 hour licence too.) My guess is that Tesco Head office has applied for 24 hour licences for all of its 24 hour stores as a matter of corporate policy as it would be time consuming for them to consider each individual store on its own merits. It is down to the local application mechanism to grant or deny the licence as is seen fit, and if enough people in Hertford make there feelings known to the magistrates that grant the licence could be rejected.
Reply ID 10084
EHDC have just issued the following press release: "Tesco’s application to sell alcohol 24 hours a day is to be discussed by East Herts Council at a licensing sub-committee in Wallfields on Friday, September 9 at 2pm. The hearing is open to members of the press and the public. The council has received 45 letters of objection. The signatories all have the right to speak at the meeting, although if there are too many who wish to do so, the committee chairman can ask them to select a limited number of spokespeople. The Hertford store’s application will be decided by councillors William Ashley, Phyllis Ballam and Barry Sapsford."
Reply ID 10237
quote:Just like 99% of business in the town.
Originally posted by Ewoowarquote:Tesco will do whatever they can get away with in order to make money. Morals and ethics are cast aside in the strive for profit.
Originally posted by jez_p
I think it is a little unfair to Tesco to blame them for wanting a 24 hour alcohol licence. The store is open 24 hours therefore it is reasonable for them to want to sell alcohol while the store is open. (I noticed that Stevenage store is applying for a 24 hour licence too.) My guess is that Tesco Head office has applied for 24 hour licences for all of its 24 hour stores as a matter of corporate policy as it would be time consuming for them to consider each individual store on its own merits. It is down to the local application mechanism to grant or deny the licence as is seen fit, and if enough people in Hertford make there feelings known to the magistrates that grant the licence could be rejected.
Reply ID 10239
quote:Not sure about William Ashley, but are the other 2 not Ware Councillors - it's us threatened with the 24 hours not them!
Originally posted by Steve
EHDC have just issued the following press release: "Tesco’s application to sell alcohol 24 hours a day is to be discussed by East Herts Council at a licensing sub-committee in Wallfields on Friday, September 9 at 2pm. The hearing is open to members of the press and the public. The council has received 45 letters of objection. The signatories all have the right to speak at the meeting, although if there are too many who wish to do so, the committee chairman can ask them to select a limited number of spokespeople. The Hertford store’s application will be decided by councillors William Ashley, Phyllis Ballam and Barry Sapsford."
Reply ID 10241
Well they got it in the end... agreed to a couple of Police requirements. We'll see how it works out....
Reply ID 10242
quote:Isn't Phyllis Balham the Ware ex-mayor that had a punk hairdo not so long back and Barry Sapsford quoted as saying that he doesn't drink in pubs (well, certainly not the Stonehouse, which was being discussed at the time). So possibly he is the one going in to buy his bottle of plonk at 3.00am. William Ashley is a local farmer? son of the other Ashley that writes a column for the Mercury. None of them will be affected by local disturbances and I bet none of them asked the staff at the Hertford Tesco what their thoughts were on working late.
Not sure about William Ashley, but are the other 2 not Ware Councillors - it's us threatened with the 24 hours not them!
Reply ID 10244
what are the police requirements?
Reply ID 10245
I don't think you'll find Barry Sapsford buying plonk at ANY time, he runs a wine importers... http://www.sapsfordwines.co.uk/ http://www.sapsfordwines.co.uk/ The website's not up and running yet.
Reply ID 10256
Can you confirm that Tesco's got the application?
Reply ID 10265
Spoke to staff yesterday - application alows 24 hour sales apart from 11.00pm Friday until 4.00am Saturday and from 10.00pm (when closed) on Saturday until open hours on Sunday.
Reply ID 10273
quote:Sounds like there has been an injection of common sense.
Originally posted by sloopjohnb
Spoke to staff yesterday - application alows 24 hour sales apart from 11.00pm Friday until 4.00am Saturday and from 10.00pm (when closed) on Saturday until open hours on Sunday.
Reply ID 12433
Here's food for thought... Tesco tops list for under-age drink TESCO has emerged as the supermarket most likely to sell alcohol to under-age drinkers, a campaign run by the Home Office has found http://www.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,2087-1869839,00.html