Tesco has been granted a provisional licence to sell alcohol at its proposed new outlet in the Strand Shopping Centre – despite police concerns that levels of drunkenness in the island are increasing.
The licensing court approved the application for a provisional off-licence but listed a raft of conditions that must be met about the quantities and strength of alcohol that can be sold.
Police did not object to the application from the retail giant for the new store what was the old MEA showroom.
But the licensing bench noted comments from the Chief Constable’s annual report about there being ‘little doubt that misuse of alcohol continues to play a significant part in the commission of damage offences”.
And in his triennial address Gary Roberts said that ‘levels of drunkenness are not declining and, indeed, there is some evidence that they are beginning to increase.’
The licensing bench said: ‘We attach particular weight to the evidence and submissions of the Constabulary. They are on the front line and have first-hand experience of the effects of alcohol misuse and the impact of it on a community and individuals.’
Licences had recently been granted to sell alcohol at the Tea Junction, the Tower Buffet and Restaurant and the New Hong Kong Restaurant. None of those applications was opposed.
The licensing committee said it had granted those licences partly because it recognised that alcohol now forms part of life in the Isle of Man and by having the ability to provide alcohol those premises are more attractive to their customers and offer them a choice.
It added: ‘We take the same approach to the application. Without an off-licence Tesco Express will not open in the Strand.
‘We find that it is more likely than not that the requirements and circumstances of the neighbourhood and of visitors to the island are such that a convenience store of the type proposed will assist in the regeneration of the neighbourhood and add to the synergy already begun by the arrival of the Tea Junction, Tower Buffet and Restaurant and the New Hong Kong Restaurant.
‘We are aware of the potential risks of an increase in crime and antisocial behaviour and the risk to health by the excessive consumption of alcohol.
‘It is not argued that the applicant is not a fit and proper person to hold such a licence and that no concerns have been brought to our attention about the off-licence held by the applicants in Tesco, Lake Road.’
The same court had rejected an application by Spar but insisted there was no inconsistency as the Tesco application was for a new store at the opposite end of Strand Street in an area which had been in decline.
Restrictions on Tesco’s licence include not selling without prior police approval beer, cider or lager over 5.5 per cent in strength (excluding premium lines) and not selling single cans of beer, cider or lager.