High street giant Tesco has been given a licence to sell alcohol at its new Express store in Bury Park, Luton, despite strong objections from Muslims living nearby. Some residents were worried about the prospect of alcohol being sold at the Dunstable Road store, which is due to open in November and will be near the Rabia Islamic boys' school.
More than 150 people signed petitions opposing the supermarket giant's bid, complaining it would mean an increase in anti-social behaviour, litter and vandalism, and would divide the community.
But members of Luton Borough Council's licensing panel gave the application the green light at a meeting at the Town Hall on Tuesday morning. The store will be able to sell alcohol from 6am until 11pm, seven days a week.
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