A Gateshead shop has been refused the chance to sell booze after its predecessor had its alcohol licence revoked for selling to underage children.
Councillors have rejected an alcohol licence application by Venus Express ltd for a shop on Sheriffs Highway . Northumbria Police and Gateshead Council’s weights and measures department raised objections regarding the prevention of crime and the protection of children.
A shop at the same address, Sheriff Highway Stores, had its alcohol licence revoked by Gateshead Council in August after a police and council sting resulted in a 15-year-old volunteer purchasing alcohol from the premises.
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The new alcohol licence application was submitted by Mr Jafaar Mousa Mohammad Jafaar. Mr Jafaar was involved in the previous business as, according to Companies House, as “a person with significant control” owning more than 25% but less than 50% of shares in the business.
Mr Jafaar said: “I have to work hard to protect the public and local residents from alcohol-related crimes by refusing to serve customers who have had too much to drink. I have to have firm discipline with teenagers in not allowing them to gather outside the shop."
He continued: “If the committee wants to add or discuss other issues please talk to me so I can attend to these needs. Since 1973 the shop has been a part of this small community.
“It will be difficult for the shop to survive without an alcohol licence. I hope common sense will prevail."
Mr Jafaar also said he would be consistently “vigilant” and had completed courses to better understand his responsibilities, and knew how to spot fake IDs.
However, police inspector Kevin Ashurst had doubts and concerns about issuing the shop with an alcohol licence and making Mr Jafaar a designated premises supervisor.
In writing, Inspector Ashurst submitted: "Even if the applicant was to supply a detailed schedule of licence conditions, I have little confidence, given the history of the premises and Mr Jaafar’s involvement in the same, that the conditions will be adhered to and that the premises will be operated in accordance with the licensing objectives."
Mr Jafaar maintained this shop was a new venture, separate from the last shop and he deserves "a chance".
After deliberation, the licence sub-committee decided to refuse the application. Mr Jafaar has 21 days to appeal the decision.
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