Cornish shop says it will add positivity to ‘no-go area’ of resort

The owner of a new Cornish gift shop denies it will add to antisocial behaviour in what has been described as a ‘no-go area’ of Newquay - saying that if anything it will add positivity.

Craig Jenkin applied for a licence to sell bottles of artisan alcohol in his shop, All Things Cornwall, on East Street in the resort. However, neighbours raised concern that it could add to drunken behaviour in the area, where cheap alcohol is sold at two nearby stores.

Mr Jenkin explained at a Cornwall Council licensing meeting on Wednesday that the sale of Cornish-produced gin, rum and whisky would be primarily for tourists and was unlikely to be affordable for street drinkers.

It followed concerns raised by a couple living on East Street.The wife wrote to the council saying: “I am sure you are aware of the constant antisocial behaviour that occurs. As residents, and many tourists, we suffer from intimidation, sometimes intentionally, fighting, foul language, litter, and at times it feels like this part of East Street is a ‘no go’ area.

“The drinking and drug-taking that occurs almost daily is partly as a result of the sale of alcohol being readily available throughout the day and evening. In my opinion the sale of individual cans of alcohol also encourages and contributes to this behaviour and is something that could be looked into as part of their licence.

“I understand that All Things Cornwall are not planning to sell individual cans of alcohol but there is absolutely no need for any further alcohol to be sold in East Street.”

There was a suggestion that benches and phone boxes on the street could be removed in a bid to stop street drinking.

The shop is based within a Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), which are set up in areas where there is a high density of premises selling alcohol in a bid to stop associated crime and disorder, antisocial behaviour and public nuisance.

The All Things Cornwall gift shop in Newquay (Pic: All Things Cornwall)

Mr Jenkin told the licensing committee that if anything his shop, which has been open for a month, would add some positivity to the area rather than adding to any negatives.

He said: “I’d like to reiterate I have complete and full sympathy with [the couple] and the issues they’ve faced. I faced similar when I worked at Normans [a former cash and carry in Camborne] and it’s not pleasant. However, I think actions such as removing benches and phone boxes and denying licences are not the answer.

“The feedback I’ve had from customers … they love the shop. They say how lovely it is. People are really appreciating having a shop like this at this end of town; the end of town which [the couple] have declared as a ‘no-go area’. We’ve got a bike hire place going in next door, there’s somebody going into what I believe was Argos now, so there’s positives in the area.”

Mr Jenkin added: “This is local, crafted alcohol; gins, rums, whiskies. My retail mark is going to be well above those shops. The antisocial behaviour and drinking problem … they’re going to work out they can go across the road and get two bottles for the price of one from me.

“I fail to see how this will increase the negative antisocial behaviour issue in the area. Hopefully it will draw in tourists and locals, and be a positive for the area.”

The committee agreed to the licence and felt it would not impact negatively on the area as it would not be selling single bottles or cans of beer or cider, or cheap alcohol. They noted it could have a positive impact on the area as a destination for tourists and locals.

Following the meeting, Mr Jenkin said: “I’m really pleased with the outcome of the hearing. The feedback and support we’ve received from our customers has been fantastic and now they will be able to enjoy more delights that our local crafters have produced and support them too.”