TESCO’S bid to sell alcohol from its new Slough store could be on hold as street drinking fears have prompted a licensing hearing.

The supermarket giant is planning to move into an empty ground-floor commercial unit at the Crossways, 88 Windsor Road.

The site currently does not have a premises license to sell alcohol off-site, but Tesco wants to do this Monday to Sunday from 6am to midnight and sell late-night refreshments indoors for one hour from 11pm.

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However, eight objections have been received since Tesco submitted its application, triggering a licensing sub-committee on Tuesday, February 1.

Nearby residents and homeowners at the Crossways apartment blocks fear the late sale of alcohol could create a public nuisance and encourage more street drinking, rough sleeping and begging outside the shop.

Whilst some welcomed the Tesco opening below the flats, a majority suggested the store should close at 10pm to reduce the late-night noise.

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One resident wrote: “I feel this will attract noise and antisocial people to the area, making our building less secure especially for women and children. If this does go ahead then the shop should really agree to be closed at 10pm instead of midnight.

“Also, midnight closing will mean staff probably will not leave the premises until 1am, once again causing more noise.”