Agenda and draft minutes

Councillor Wheeler was elected as chair prior to the meeting.

There were none.

 The Licensing Officer introduced the report as published.

The matter then went to Member questions, the responses were as follows:

-       There has been no response from the responsible authorities.

-       There is a CBC Public Space Protection Order which includes Imperial Gardens and The Promenade it is the method of control that the police have to prevent drinking in public spaces.

-       Although some of the objectors mentioned that other premises don’t have such long hours, the other Tesco Express stores have the same hours and there are other premises in the area that have similar hours.

The Applicant had no questions for the officer.

The Applicant addressed the committee and made the following points:

-       Tesco intend to open the store in February 2026.

-       It is a well-known brand with five stores already in the Cheltenham area, one that is the superstore format – on Tewkesbury Road and 4 express stores.

-       The store will carry a limited range to cater for the area.

-       Tesco don’t sell white ciders or higher strength products in the express stores – the type of alcohol they sell is geared to what the demand is in the area.

-       Licensing solicitor for Tesco deals with the problems in the local stores and hasn’t been to the Cheltenham committee for some years.

-       When the store is looking for staff there will be a QR code at the front of the store for preferential treatment during recruitment of people who live in the area.

-       When the store opens there will be a mix of new staff and experienced staff.

-       Tesco take pride in being a good neighbour, and will be happy to join any schemes – they are part of the radio link with the existing stores, this means that they are notified of any potential trouble occurring in the other stores.

-       Tesco have raised over £120k to fund 63 projects across the town.

-       Tesco enjoy a good relationship with the statutory authorities.

-       The applicant supports a community alcohol project that they work with closely to give young people diversionary activities and steer them away from alcohol.

-       They offer British Institute of Innkeepers training and they have been praised for the training that they offer, the training is renewed every 6 months.

-       Security training is also carried out, they operate a challenge 25 policy and will only accept home office approved ID.

-       Their policy is not to serve alcohol to someone who is drunk and will  support cashiers with any problems.

-       If there is a group of young people attempting to buy alcohol all in the group will be asked for ID.

-       As an employer they empower and encourage colleagues to make the right decision and they are encouraged to do so.

-       Security in the store is linked to a hub where operators watch the CCTV and they will then send any details to the police to deal with.

-  ...  view the full minutes text for item 3.

There were none.

Meeting concluded at 18.55.