Key Points
- Asda Express at Texaco petrol station in Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, seeks permission to sell alcohol 24 hours a day.
- The store already operates round the clock but currently has restricted alcohol sale hours.
- Application submitted to Barking and Dagenham Council to vary its current premises licence.
- The proposal aims to “align alcohol sales with store opening hours.”
- Residents have until 5 January to comment or object to the application.
- Feedback can be made in writing or via email to the council’s Licensing Department.
- Concerns raised by local residents typically include anti-social behaviour, noise, and late-night disturbances.
- Council will review all representations before making its decision.
- Asda previously expanded its network of “Asda Express” stores across London, many located in forecourts and open 24/7.
- Licensing laws require the council to balance commercial interest with community well-being.
An Asda Express store operating inside the Texaco petrol station on Becontree Avenue, Dagenham, could soon be the next 24-hour alcohol retailer in the area after submitting an application to Barking and Dagenham Council seeking to sell alcohol around the clock.
As reported by Ellie Ng of the Barking and Dagenham Post, the application, submitted earlier this month, requests permission to vary the store’s existing premises licence so that alcohol sale hours “align with the store’s opening hours”. The store, which already operates 24 hours a day, currently faces restrictions preventing the sale of alcoholic beverages through the night.
According to the council’s licensing notice, the consultation period opened in December and will remain active until 5 January 2026, allowing residents, councillors, and community bodies to share their feedback or objections.
Why Does Asda Express Want a 24-Hour Alcohol Licence?
As per the application filed with Barking and Dagenham Council, Asda Express has requested a variation in its licensing conditions to match the full operational hours of the store. The plan is described as a move to create consistency between the store’s trading hours and its alcohol sales permissions.
As reported by MyLondon, a spokesperson for Asda stated that the variation aims to “meet customer convenience” and reflects the “shopping expectations of modern consumers, many of whom rely on 24-hour forecourt stores for flexible service.”
The spokesperson did not comment directly on potential community concerns but maintained that the store operates in compliance with all licensing and public safety requirements.
Retail industry analysts told Retail Gazette that such applications are part of Asda’s broader retail strategy. Since 2022, Asda has been developing its network of “Asda Express” forecourt convenience stores through partnerships with petrol brands like Texaco and EG Group, offering groceries and ready-to-go products 24/7.
What Are the Local Regulations for Alcohol Sales in Dagenham?
According to official guidance published by Barking and Dagenham Council, any business wishing to sell alcohol must hold a valid premises licence under the Licensing Act 2003. Such licences detail the types of alcohol licensing activities permitted, the hours of operation, and measures to prevent public nuisance and disorder.
The council has the authority to grant, modify, or reject applications after reviewing public feedback. Key licensing objectives include:
- Preventing crime and disorder.
- Ensuring public safety.
- Preventing public nuisance.
- Protecting children from harm.
In this case, the Asda Express proposal will be assessed against these statutory criteria. If objections arise, the matter could be referred to the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee for a hearing.
How Can Residents Submit Their Views?
As detailed in the public notice issued by Barking and Dagenham Council, any individual or organisation wishing to comment on the application must do so in writing before midnight on 5 January 2026.
Representations should be sent to:
Licensing Department, Regulatory Service
Barking and Dagenham Council
Barking Town Hall, 1 Clock House Avenue
Barking IG11 7LU
Alternatively, comments can be submitted by email to [email protected].
As reported by the Barking and Dagenham Post, objections must be linked to at least one of the four licensing objectives. General objections or petitions without direct relevance may not be considered during decision-making.
What Are the Potential Impacts of a 24-Hour Alcohol Sale?
Local reaction to similar applications in other London boroughs has been mixed. Some residents appreciate the convenience of extended hours, while others worry about anti-social behaviour, littering, or disturbances linked to late-night sales.
When a similar licence variation was sought in Ilford earlier this year, the Redbridge Council received multiple objections from nearby residents. Some highlighted concerns about people loitering near forecourts late at night. However, the council only considers such objections valid if they directly affect public order or safety.
In the Dagenham case, as reported by MyLondon, there has not yet been a significant public backlash, but local community groups have encouraged residents to stay informed and participate in the consultation process.
Has Asda Applied for Similar Licences Before?
Yes, the retail giant has filed comparable 24-hour alcohol licence applications in various parts of the UK. According to The Grocer, Asda has been steadily expanding its “Express” format, with dozens of such stores in forecourt and urban sites across England and Wales.
Many of these stores already operate non-stop, offering essentials like food, drinks, and household products. Applications for 24/7 alcohol sales are often made later, once initial operations have stabilised and management has demonstrated compliance with licensing conditions.
In September 2024, Asda Express stores in Manchester and Birmingham also sought permission to sell alcohol through the night. Some were approved with conditions such as CCTV monitoring, staff training on responsible sales, and restrictions on single-can purchases to mitigate anti-social behaviour.
Experts say these precedents could influence the decision in Dagenham, especially if the local council seeks to impose similar caveats or supervision clauses.
What Happens Next After the Consultation Period?
Once the consultation period ends, Barking and Dagenham Council’s Licensing Authority will review all submissions received from residents, businesses, and statutory bodies such as the police or environmental health officers.
If no valid objections are received, the council may approve the variation under delegated powers. However, if representations are made citing concerns about nuisance or disorder, the matter will proceed to a Licensing Sub-Committee hearing — a formal panel where councillors review the evidence and may ask both applicant and objectors for clarifications.
The panel has several options:
- Approve the application in full.
- Approve it with conditions (e.g., limits on sales type or specific hours).
- Reject the application.
A decision is typically published on the council’s website within 10 working days following the hearing.
What Has Asda Said About Community Relations?
An Asda spokesperson, quoted by Retail Gazette, emphasised that the company is “committed to being a responsible retailer” and that it “fully engages with local authorities to ensure all operations meet community and legal standards.”
The statement continued:
“Our Asda Express stores are designed to offer convenient, round-the-clock shopping for customers. We always prioritise compliance and responsible trading practices in every community in which we operate.”
There has been no specific response from Texaco, which owns the forecourt land, though previous partnerships between the two brands have centred around convenience shopping expansion rather than alcohol-specific initiatives.
Could Community Opposition Affect the Outcome?
As history has shown in other boroughs, local opposition can significantly influence licensing decisions. Under UK law, while commercial convenience is considered legitimate, councils must prioritise community welfare, particularly in areas with known issues of late-night disturbance or crime.
If residents submit detailed objections within the consultation window, the Licensing Sub-Committee could impose restrictions, such as:
- Limited hours for alcohol sale between midnight and 6am.
- Mandatory security or staff training requirements.
- Restrictions on alcohol displays near entrances or tills.
As reported by the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS), councils across London increasingly use such “partial approvals” to balance business growth and community peace.
When Will the Final Decision Be Made?
Although no specific date has been confirmed for a decision, the usual process indicates that Barking and Dagenham Council will finalise its assessment shortly after the consultation closes on 5 January 2026. If a hearing is required, it may take place later that month.
Until then, Asda Express continues to trade as usual but remains restricted to its current alcohol sale hours under its existing premises licence.
