New Tesco Express is alcohol-free zone

If you are thinking of popping down to Newcastle’s newest Tesco Express to grab your favourite tipple, you may have to think again.

Tesco’s latest convenience store is alcohol-free after its license application was rejected

The latest store to be to be opened by the supermarket giant is alcohol free after its application for a beers, wines and spirits license was rejected following a clamp down on off-licences in the city.

According to Off License News, licensing officer Stephen Savage said Newcastle is saturated with off-licences and that the authority had decided to “take a stand” against the city’s “drink problem”.

As part of the crack down, the council is planning on capping the number of drinks retailers in the city, while forcing existing stores to reduce the space in which alcohol is sold.

It is also planning on imposing minimum unit pricing on retailers that supply alcohol to street drinkers.

Tesco has submitted another application for a licence, which will be decided on February 22.

Tesco said: ““We’re delighted to be opening a great new store on Grainger Street that’s convenient for the community.

“Our Express store will provide everything needed for a small shop, from a loaf of bread to a pint of milk, though as the store does not have an alcohol license we respect our obligation not to sell these items.

“However, customers can still find a great range of goods to choose from while we review our options on the sale of alcohol.”