More

    Gateshead store could lose alcohol licence after teens caused chaos

    Jenny Hall Convenience Store (Photo: Google via LDRS)

    The alcohol licence of a Premier shop in Bensham, Gateshead hangs in the balance after claims that hundreds of under aged drinkers caused chaos in Saltwell Park.

    A PCSO called out to “numerous incidents” of drinking and fighting was told that under-age youngsters had bought their alcohol from Jenny Hall Convenience Store, trading under Premier fascia.

    Gateshead Council officials claim staff at the Brinkburn Avenue store later sold alcopops to a 15-year-old volunteer.

    Now, a review into its licence has been launched.

    If councillors find that the sales were made, the authority could impose a range of sanctions – including stripping the store of its licence.

    In a statement PCSO Julie McGow said that on April 24 she was called out to “numerous incidents” where 200 youths were “causing disorder” in Saltwell Park and the surrounding area.

    At the time she was told by concerned residents that “large groups of under-age youths drinking and fighting at the bowling green” at the landmark local park.

    McGow wrote: “These groups were causing members of the public to be afraid and concerned not only for their own safety but the safety but the safety of the under-age youths who were intoxicated.”

    That evening police received an anonymous tip-off that the young trouble makers had purchased their alcohol from Jenny Hall.

    She continued: “Saltwell Park is approximately 200 metres away from Jenny Hall’s Off-Licence, over the last six months I have noticed an increase of youth disorder and alcohol related incidents.”

    A report from Gateshead Council stated that on May 7 a test purchase was carried out using a 15-year-old volunteer who was sold two bottles of VK Blue.

    When she was asked for ID and couldn’t provide it staff sold her the drink after she told them she was born in September 2002.

    Gateshead Council’s licensing committee will carry out the review on Monday.

    Latest

    Kitwave Group acquires 130-year-old delivered wholesaler

    Kitwave Group plc, the delivered wholesale business, has acquired...

    ‘Easter spending to rise as more Brits intend to celebrate’

    UK consumers are set to spend £1.9 billion this...

    Deposit Return Scheme to be delayed further

    Launching the government’s flagship recycling scheme in 2025 is...

    Sharp’s announces off-trade launch of Offshore Pilsner

    Sharp’s Brewery has announced the national off-trade launch of...

    Don't miss

    Kitwave Group acquires 130-year-old delivered wholesaler

    Kitwave Group plc, the delivered wholesale business, has acquired...

    ‘Easter spending to rise as more Brits intend to celebrate’

    UK consumers are set to spend £1.9 billion this...

    Deposit Return Scheme to be delayed further

    Launching the government’s flagship recycling scheme in 2025 is...

    Sharp’s announces off-trade launch of Offshore Pilsner

    Sharp’s Brewery has announced the national off-trade launch of...

    Highland Spring’s new flavoured still water range

    Highland Spring is entering the flavoured still water category...

    Kitwave Group acquires 130-year-old delivered wholesaler

    Kitwave Group plc, the delivered wholesale business, has acquired Total Foodservice Solutions Limited, a leading independent food wholesaler in the North of England. Established over...

    ‘Easter spending to rise as more Brits intend to celebrate’

    UK consumers are set to spend £1.9 billion this Easter on food and drink, a 4.0 per cent jump from 2023, a recent report...

    Deposit Return Scheme to be delayed further

    Launching the government’s flagship recycling scheme in 2025 is not realistic, Environment Secretary Steve Barclay told MPs on Tuesday (26) that a 2027 deadline...