More details and commentary on this will follow in due course.

In advance of the launch of the new Milly card scheme for Mill Road at the Winter Fair on Saturday 5th December, please display the Milly window poster in support of the scheme! This can be downloaded from our website.

You will be able to join the scheme at our stall outside Hilary’s Greengrocers at the Mill Road Winter Fair. The fee is £2 which will entitle you to all sorts of discounts and offers from participating local traders. A plastic card will be sent through the post with your unique member number.

More details on the new Milly Card website coming soon from the Mill Road Society …

Click on the poster to create a printable version.

We understand that the hearing for this is likely to be in the new year, but we (and other objectors) have no further details as yet. We will send out an update to supporters when such details arrive.

This will mean that the 14th Tesco-owned store in Cambridge will have no opportunity for Christmas drink sales, reducing the profitability of its outlet on Mill Road further.

But the supermarket giant has still to win over a large section of local residents, and appealing against the council’s refusal to allow the shop to sell alcohol will do it no favours.

If Tesco bosses really want to be part of the Mill Road community, they should listen to that community. Police could not make it clearer the street has a serious problem with alcohol abuse.

Tesco claims not to push for licences in such areas. It should take its own advice. It would go a long way towards convincing its opponents it is not just pursuing maximum profit at any price.

Cambridge Evening News: leader, 3rd October 2009

Cambridgeshire police objected to the original application on the grounds it could add to disorder in the area.

But Tesco chiefs have appealed against the decision despite the statement on their website which says: “We do not apply for licences in areas with known disorder issues.”

Cambridge City Council’s licensing sub-committee’s decision on August 17 to reject the store’s booze application was greeted by loud applause from campaigners.

Ruth Deyermond, planning co-ordinator of the No Mill Road Tesco campaign, hailed the decision “a victory for common sense and the community”.

Tesco sought a licence to sell alcohol from 10am-10pm seven days a week.

But police opposed the application arguing further alcohol sales would exacerbate alcohol-related problems.

Insp Marcia Nichols said the area suffered a “disproportionate” level of alcohol-related trouble and was already a “hotspot for violence”.

But Tesco will attempt to persuade councillors to grant a licence in December.

A Tesco spokeswoman said: “We have submitted an appeal against the decision for the alcohol licence. Our Express store in Mill Road is extremely popular and customers have told us they would like the opportunity to purchase our full range of items and this includes beers, wines and spirits.

“As a company, we take our responsibilities regarding the sale of alcohol exceptionally seriously and we already have robust policies in place to ensure our staff sell alcohol legally.”

No Mill Road Tesco Campaign has vowed to fight the licence bid.

A spokeswoman said: “We will maintain the opposition we successfully put forward at the licensing committee last time.”
The case will now be heard at Cambridge Magistrates’ Court.

A council statement said: “We have been advised Tesco Stores Ltd have appealed the sub-committee’s decision and consequently the matter will be subject to a further hearing in the Magistrates’ Court.”

Cambridge News, 3rd October 2009

“Following the decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee on the 17th August 2009, we have been advised that Tesco Stores Ltd. have appealed the Sub-Committee’s decision and consequently the matter will be subject to a further hearing in the Magistrates Court. It is likely that persons who attended to speak on the 17th August may be asked to attend the Magistrates Court on a date to be set by them. We will keep you advised of developments.”

More news as we get it.

“We do not apply for licences in areas with known disorder issues”

We have now heard that, as expected, Tesco plans to appeal.

We are finding out exactly what process will be followed, and will report any updates here. We will maintain the opposition we successfully put forward at the Licensing Committee last month.

An update on this and other matters will be published shortly.

This event is organised by the No Mill Road Tesco Campaign as part of our support of local traders.