Micropub plan could be barred

FEARS RAISED AS STORE SEEKS LICENCE TO SELL BOOZE ON PREMISES

Reporter FEARS of noisy and antisocial patrons could halt plans for a micropub in Jesmond.

Popular corner shop and off-licence Rehill’s of Jesmond has submitted plans to extends its business by converting part of the store into a micropub.

The owners of the Jesmond Road shop have now asked for a licence to sell alcohol on the premises between 11am and 11pm each day.

The proposed licence would also enable the pub to show films between 11am and midnight.

If approved, the small pub could cater for up to 50 drinkers, but council licensing bosses have raised concerns about potential noise levels.

Council officer Angela Wallis said she was “concerned Rehill’s of Jesmond, which has applied for permission to create a micropub that noise transmission from the premises together with noise breakout will be an issue”.

The impact on student tenants living above Rehill’s was also raised as part of the objection, due to the lack of sound insulation.

Ms Wallis added: “Given the age of the building, at the time of construction no sound insulation will have been installed between the ground and first floors and there are residents above the site.” It was suggested that an acoustic assessment of the building would need to take place before the plans could be recommended for approval. The Cradlewell area of Newcastle has witnessed the closure of both the Cradlewell and Punch Bowl pubs in recent years, and Rehill’s has pledged significant investment into the new venture, which it says would add something positive to the community.

Although there were no objections raised by Northumbria Police, some residents have protested due to fears of anti-social behaviour.

Landlord Mazhar Razaq, who owns the home above Rehill’s, said: “With the 50 customers leaving the bar, waiting for taxis, for worstcase examples they could vomit or urinate in my doorstep and cause anti-social behaviour.”

Documents submitted to Newcastle City Council have previously suggested the micropub would be called the Swan and Taps if it was approved.