Gateshead c-store’s licensing bid delayed

A decision on a Gateshead convenience store’s licensing bid has been delayed so that police can provide new evidence to the council.

Sajaad Ali has applied to the council for a licence to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises at Your Local Store, on Gateshead High Street, and also wants to include a delivery service.

However, Gateshead Council and Northumbria Police have raised fears about the proposals.

In a report submitted to the council, police say the area surrounding the premises “already suffers alcohol-related ASB and street drinking”.

Meanwhile, Alice Wiseman, the council’s director of public health, wrote that the applicant hasn’t provided enough detail about how the business will operate.

But barrister Sarah Clover said that alcohol sales aren’t the shop’s primary focus but something it needs to offer to stay competitive.

She said: “The shop sells sandwiches, pastries, pies, people can pay their bills, that’s the vibe.

“The alcohol licence is to provide a complete package, for competitive purposes, when people choose to go to a shop they like to get everything in one place.

“If they happen to want wine or beer they go to the place where they can pick it up in one go.”

Ms Clover also said that Mr Ali is experienced at running off-licenses, taking ownership of his first store at the age of 25.

Gateshead Council’s Licensing committee agreed to adjourn the hearing so that Northumbria Police can provide new evidence.