CONCERNS have been raised over a newsagent’s application to sell alcohol on a Chester shopping parade that some say is already blighted by yobbish behaviour.

The owner of Don’s News and Convenience Store on Kingsway, Newton, has requested a licence from the council to sell booze between 6am and 11pm.

It opened at the end of April, replacing Dillons newsagent, and until now has only been able to offer the likes of newspapers, magazines, tobacco and sweets.

Councillors Gill Watson and Richard Beacham believe this is how its licence should remain.

Chester and District Standard:

Don's News on Kingsway in Newton.

In representations to Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Licensing Act Sub Committee, the pair outlined fears that giving people more opportunities to access alcohol would create issues.

“In the past there have been significant problems at the shopping parade due to incidents of antisocial behaviour caused primarily by young people,” they wrote.

“We are concerned that this sort of behaviour may recur if another shop remains open late into the evening selling alcohol.”

The parade already includes a Co-op convenience store and off licence at opposite ends, but both have doors facing away from entrances to flats above the shops.

The door at Don’s News is close to a residential entrance.

The councillors said: “If groups of people were to congregate then it could be very intimidating for residents and their visitors.”

They added: “We are concerned that the premises will attract additional customers (some of whom may be inebriated) late into the evening which may cause noise nuisance that would impact negatively on the quality of life of residents, particularly those that live directly above the premises.”

Chester and District Standard:

Kingsway shopping parade.

Cllr Watson and Cllr Beacham also expressed concern that alcohol would be sold next to sweets and chocolate, “attracting the attention of children and young people”.

“We do not believe that it is appropriate to influence young minds in this way,” they wrote. “The shop is a newsagent which would be expected to sell confectionary and newspapers, not alcohol.”

Cheshire Police has requested CCTV be installed at the premises, should the new licence be granted, as well as a ‘Challenge 25’ proof of age scheme.

The council committee is due to discuss the application at a meeting on Tuesday, July 10.