Newcastle shopkeepers get into heated exchange at licence hearing

A Newcastle city centre newsagent’s bid for a drinks licence was heard by the council amid a war of words between two shopkeepers.

Raj Nahal, of Martin’s News on Grainger Street, has applied for a licence to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 9am and 10pm every day, from the store which he has re-opened under the best-one brand.

Agent Richard Arnott said the premises previously had an alcohol licence when it was under different management.

He said: “All we’re asking you today is regarding the licence that was granted in February 2017. It’s not a ‘new, new’ it’s an application on the same terms.

“It’s a small premises, with limited alcohol stock and easy to supervise.”

However, Neraj Bedi, manager of the nearby Londis Metro Express, objected to the application claiming that under-age youngsters were being sold cigarettes and alcohol from the rival store.

These allegations were strenuously denied.

At Tuesday’s (28 September) licensing meeting Mr Bedi said: “My major concern is not competition.

“I objected because at the time I felt there was anti-social behaviour in the city centre and I felt that another licence would add to that problem.

“It’s not good for anyone if there’s someone that’s being irresponsible in the area in regards to selling alcohol to anyone that’s drunk or underage – it’s obvious there’s enough business for everyone in that area.

“We have noticed a number of underage children in particular after lockdown number three around April, May and June this year.

“I have two members (of staff) on site at any one time there’s always someone that looks at what’s going on outside.

“There are people that have gone to best-one after we have refused them for having no ID or the wrong ID and being served without getting challenged,” he claimed.

Mr Nahal denied the allegations and paid tribute to his staff saying they are “good human beings.”

He added: “I totally disagree with what he says. If he calls me a colleague he could call me and talk to me.

“If I was concerned I would go to Mr Bedi and say ‘your staff are doing something wrong’.

“He’s never approached me. My staff have done nothing wrong. They’re very highly trained, good human beings.”

Newcastle Council will soon publish the decision of the licensing committee.