Sweet and vape shop licence at risk amid disorder
LDRSA dessert and vape shop that was shut down by police just six months after its opening could lose its licence to operate.
The Sweet Trap in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, received a three-month closure order on 1 April after reports of "disorder" and a "significant and sustained increase" in anti-social behaviour.
Durham County Council is due to review the Potto Street shop's licence at a meeting on Friday, after an application from Durham Police.
The Sweet Trap, which also has a licence to sell alcohol, has said it "strongly disagrees" with the closure notice and will be appealing the decision.
In documents submitted to the Reform UK-led council, Durham Police said incidents included a police car's windows being smashed and vehicles such as off-road motorcycles being seized.
The force also raised concerns about underage sales following reports that vapes were allegedly being sold to children.
'No confidence'
Sgt Caroline Dickenson said the premises had become "a focal point" for large groups of youths, resulting in "ongoing disorder, intimidation and nuisance" to the local community.
"Despite engagement from police and partner agencies, there has been a persistent failure by management to exercise effective control of the premises," she said.
Police said several requests to the business for CCTV footage had not been complied with, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.
"This has significantly hindered criminal investigations and demonstrates non-compliance with licence expectations," Sgt Dickenson said.
"The premises is now widely regarded as a hub for disorder and anti-social behaviour."
She added the force was concerned issues would continue if the store, owned by Charles Sproat, was allowed to reopen.
Sgt Dickenson said: "Durham Constabulary have no confidence [the licence holders] can uphold the responsibilities associated with holding an alcohol licence or promote the licensing objectives moving forward."