A number of constituents have contacted me about this already, and it looks like a community campaign along the lines of that which defeated a similar move by Tesco in 2010 may be on the cards.

Now, as then, I’m strongly opposed to the Tesco presence since it’s likely to destroy the livelihood of many local traders; and will speak out on behalf of all those concerned about the supermarket giant moving into the neighbourhood.

Already, I’ve made the representation below to the Council.

The deadline for comments on the application is next Wednesday 28 May – for more info see http://bit.ly/1n9tiYZ and search for application number 1445/3/2014/01994/LAPREN.

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Dear Sir/Madam,

Licence application 1445/3/2014/01994/LAPREN

Tesco Supermarket

190-194 Lewes Road Brighton BN2 3HW

I am writing to register concern about the application for an alcohol licence at 190-194 Lewes Road.

As I'm sure the Panel is already aware, there are a number of other retailers selling alcohol in the Lewes Road Area at present - a Co-op store, a Spar, a new Morrison's supermarket, a large Sainsbury's supermarket, a Turkish supermarket, plus a number of off-licences, such as 'Booze Factory' and 'Wine Me Up'.

Local residents have told me that they are frequently disturbed by customers of the existing outlets, including disturbances in the early morning and late at night. I am concerned that these problems will be exacerbated if this licence is granted, adding to the public nuisance concerns already being voiced by the local community.

Furthermore, I believe that the Alcohol Scrutiny Panel at the Council has made a recommendation that Lewes Road should be added to the Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ). I gather that this is currently being explored. This factor needs to be considered when deciding the application at 190-194 Lewes Road, and I would urge the Panel not to issue a further alcohol licence in this area until the CIZ extension has been decided.

As outlined above, this area is already saturated with outlets selling alcohol, often at a low cost, encouraging 'pre-loading', and I believe it would be irresponsible and illogical to grant a further licence when measures to improve public safety and reduce anti-social behaviour are being considered.

I hope that the Panel takes these concerns into account when deciding the application.
 

Yours faithfully,

Caroline