A Tesco in Rubery is being lampooned by locals as it attempts to secure permission to serve alcohol on a 24/7 basis. One resident labelled the application ‘unacceptable’ and said it would facilitate ‘drunks obtaining alcohol all through the night’.

The superstore branch of Tesco on New Road, Rubery, is currently open from 7am to 11pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. The new licence would keep its doors open 24 hours, including for those who want to purchase alcohol during the small hours.

Birmingham City Council has received letters of objection from residents living close to the store.

The store was formally the site of Jack’s supermarket, the budget arm of Tesco. Named after Tesco founder Jack Cohen, Jack’s opened in 2018 to a glowing reception from shoppers looking for bargains, but it was announced earlier this year that seven Jack’s stores were closing and the remaining six were being converted back in Tescos.

One resident of nearby Malcolm Grove told the council of their frustration of this new application: “The noise late at night is already disruptive and to suggest we put up with this all night, every night is outrageous. There is no reason for Tesco to stay open 24 hours at all.

“Drunks obtaining alcohol all through the night is unacceptable especially as we have a public right of way leading into our Grove.”

In its application, Tesco tried to reassure locals that it would be a responsible neighbour. It said: “The company has a ‘good neighbour’ which seeks to ensure that the premises plays an active part in the local community.

“The company has devised policies, procedures, systems and training to ensure that they sell alcohol in a responsible manner.” 

City chiefs are set to discuss the matter tonight (Wednesday, July 13).