'Hub for disorder' dessert shop licence revoked
LDRSA dessert and vape shop labelled a "hub for disorder" has lost its licence to sell alcohol.
Sweet Trap, on Potto Street in Shotton Colliery, County Durham, had its licence revoked by Durham County Council following concerns from police and residents.
A licensing committee was told there had been a "significant and sustained increase" in anti-social behaviour since it opened, with Durham Police saying the premises had become a "focal point for large groups of youths".
The store has been shut since 1 April under a three-month closure order, which the owner said he "strongly disagrees" with and would be appealing.
Owner Charles Sproat did not attend Friday's hearing at County Hall in Durham.
The meeting heard incidents, including a police car's windows being smashed and off-road motorcycles causing a nuisance in the community, had been reported near the store.
Despite the disorder concerns, there was no evidence of alcohol being sold to underage customers, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.
Sgt Caroline Dickenson said: "The premises has become a focal point for large groups of youths, resulting in ongoing disorder, intimidation, and nuisance to the local community."
A statement added: "The premises is now widely regarded as a hub for disorder and anti-social behaviour."
Revoking the licence, committee chair Steven Franklin said: "We cannot be satisfied that the continuation of the licence will not undermine the licensing objectives, and the licence is revoked."