Shop faces licence review over anti-social behaviour

The shop, on Middlesbrough's Crescent Road, is directly opposite a primary school

A shop selling super strength cider to "vulnerable people" is contributing to crime and anti-social behaviour, police and council officers say.

Concerns have been raised about A.J's in Middlesbrough, located in an area known for "high levels" of alcohol-related crime and disorder.

Following submissions from police and council officers, Middlesbrough Council will decide next week whether to strip A.J's of its licence.

Its licensee is opposing the licence review.

Single cans

A public health official reported seeing 50 crates of Knights 8.4% cider "stacked from floor to ceiling" in the shop's stockroom.

Cleveland Police licensing officer Amy Roberts said concerns had been discussed with licensee Savior Selvaras Tharmeswaran.

She added: "It has become clear that the licence holder doesn't wish to stop selling single high strength cans as this is the main source of income but is the main source of crime and disorder."

In an application for the premises' licence to be reviewed, she also described having concerns over the sale of "small grip seal bags and small plastic type pipe objects", which she claims are linked to drug use.

'Very drunken'

Public health representative Fiona Helyer described seeing visibly intoxicated customers when visiting the shop, including one woman who had reportedly "shown her backside" to staff.

She said: "There are clear links between the availability of cheap alcohol, antisocial behaviour and crime and disorder.

"While it is not illegal to sell high strength alcoholic products there is clearly a need for responsible sales of them."

Mrs Helyer said several licensing conditions were not being complied with and added: "This licensed premises is being operated in such a manner which represents a risk to the safety of the public."

'Irresponsible'

Middlesbrough Council's public protection manager for licensing said a "number of visits" had been made and advice given to A.J's staff since concerns were first raised in September 2023.

Tim Hodgkinson said visits had highlighted "irresponsible retailing", inadequate management and anti-social behaviour within and in the vicinity of the shop.

Documents submitted to the council ahead of a licensing sub-committee meeting say police and council officers put forward proposals for improvements.

However, the licence holder's legal representative reportedly said Mr Tharmeswaran was not willing to agree to some suggested conditions, including those involving the sale of single cans.

Committee members will decide whether to approve the application for a licence review on 15 February, which could result in the licence being revoked, suspended, or conditions being modified.

The BBC has approached A.J's and Mr Tharmeswaran's legal representative for comment.