by Dearbhla Geraghty

Tesco Express failed in its bid to add beer and spirits to the shelves of its convenience store, opposite UHG and NUIG in Newcastle, following strong objections when the matter came before Galway District Court on Tuesday.

Despite assurances that more jobs could be created by a positive outcome, Judge Mary Fahy said she had heard nothing new that would persuade her to change a previous decision to deny the application for a full off licence.

Tesco Ireland Ltd., with registered offices at Gresham House, Marine Road, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin, sought an application for a certificate entitling and enabling them to obtain an excise licence to sell spirits and beer at 21 University Road.

Bernard Mahon, Tesco’s West of Ireland store director, said that “sensitive products attractive to the youth” would not be sold in that particular store – Buckfast tonic wine is not currently stocked – namely ‘alco-pops’, and value brand vodka.

“The store has underperformed since opening (in 2010); customers were disappointed that we did not offer what they are accustomed to,” he said.

“We don’t envisage selling a lot of beer and spirits, but it will make a difference to people who wish to buy it.”

Inspector Ernie Whyte, on behalf of An Garda Siochana, pointed out to the court that there were already two off-licences at other university exits, namely G&L and Topaz; as well as Londis and the River Inn.

“We contend that there are too many, and there is no justification for it,” he told the court.

Judge Fahy made it clear that she had not been swayed from her original opinion on this matter, and again refused the licence.

“Nothing heard today would persuade me,” she concluded.

For more on this story, see the Galway City Tribune.