OXFORD City Council’s licensing committee has, in its wisdom, refused an off-licence for the proposed Tesco store in St Aldate’s claiming “it would contribute to crime and disorder”.

This is because of the proximity of homeless shelters and the like, in the area.

The local residents are hence denied a useful facility, selling a range of goods, run by a national organisation which is well aware of the regulations relating to the sale of alcohol.

There are many other off- licences in the area which do not observe the law and hence the residents have to suffer the consequences of their sales to the on-street drinkers of Oxford.

A well-run off-licence would not exacerbate the problem. I hope Tesco will appeal and that the needs of the residents will take precedence.

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