Regular readers will remember I raised the problem of underage drinking at Smannell Road open space and the resultant nuisance to local residents and litter it caused. See the previous items at
http://lengates.mycouncillor.org.uk/2010/06/28/litter-at-smannell-road-open-space/ http://lengates.mycouncillor.org.uk/2010/06/21/call-time-on-24-hour-drinking/
I am pleased to report the police have been dealing with this and as a result have served a closure notice on Tesco Stores Limited in relation to the Tesco Express at Compton Square. This is because the shop has failed two under age alcohol test purchasing operations within the last three months. The police have the power, and have decided, that the shop will not sell alcohol between 1200 hours Friday 27 August to 1200 hours Sunday 29 August, i.e. the Bank Holiday weekend. Tesco have accepted the closure notice and will not be contesting the decision.
While this will inconvenience some shoppers I am sure they will all agree that the time has come to take firm action to control the indiscriminant sale of alcohol. Ever since the Labour government relaxed the licensing laws supermarkets and pub chains have cynically boosted sales with no care for the effects on public health or law and order.
The coalition govenmment is already looking at changes to the licensing act but the existing legislation does already provide significant powers to deal with problem premises, I am pleased to see the police are using these powers.