Tesco is to limit sales of alcohol after 9pm on warm evenings as part of a crackdown on anti-social behaviour in Richmond.

The move comes amid mounting concern among residents about heavy drinking on the Green, the riverside and other green spaces across the borough.

Residents have complained about young people buying alcohol in Richmond town centre and then partying through the night and into the early hours on the Green with associated drunkeness and violence.

Such is the concern that they have investigated hiring private security officers to police the streets and provide protection, as revealed by Richmond Nub News.

Details of the move by Tesco were announced by Richmond Council. They form part of a raft of measures to combat anti-social behaviour and follow a similar decision by Sainsbury's not to sell booze after 9pm.

A council spokesperson said: "Tesco in Richmond and Twickenham has been working closely with the council and other supermarkets in the area this summer to help combat issues of anti-social behaviour.

"Following a number of incidents, where residents have been concerned about alcohol consumption on the green, Tesco has worked to implement measures in its store to help manage the problem.

"These include removing alcohol displays from the front of the store, increasing security, stopping shoppers who are repeat buying and monitoring the Green on particularly warm days.

"The store has also said that in addition to the measures in place and if advised by the licensing team, Park Guard or Police, it will also limit the sale of alcohol temporarily after 9pm, to support further in managing the busy Green area on warmer days.

They added: "The council is eager to work with businesses to ensure that sales of alcohol are carried out responsibly.

"However, we will not hesitate to take proportionate action against any retailer selling alcohol in breach of their licence or where it causes antisocial behaviour or public nuisance."

Council leader Gareth Roberts praised supermarket giant Tesco for its "public spirited move".

"This is a very welcome step from Tesco," he said.

"We know that alcohol has been a major contributory factor to late night anti-social behaviour in the borough.

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"Whilst it isn't every night – on those days that our officers, the Police or our Park Guard Service view that it is a live issue, the supermarkets have agreed steps to support us and ways that specifically help by temporarily limiting sales to people who may be intoxicated.

"I want to thank Tesco for this public-spirited move. I know it may cause slight inconvenience for some, but I hope it will make a real difference to tackling anti-social behaviour on our greens."

Tesco said: "We have always actively served the needs of the Richmond community and are keen to support where we can to ensure the area remains pleasant for everyone to enjoy."

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