A new Gosforth coffee house praised for transforming an ‘eyesore’ shop has got the green light to serve alcoholic drinks.
The Gosforth Traders cafe and deli, which opened last year, was granted a new licence to sell alcohol by Newcastle City Council on Tuesday.
A number of residents praised the “refreshing” venue for revamping the corner shop it took over in Linden Road, though others raised fears that allowing it to serve more booze risked turning it into a pub-style venue.
In addition to acting as an off-licence, Gosforth Traders will be able to offer alcohol to customers sitting down for a drink.
Under conditions imposed by the council and agreed with police, the cafe must stop serving booze at 8pm between Mondays and Thursday, 9pm on Friday and Saturday, and 6pm on Sunday.
A total of 11 residents lodged letters of support with the council, saying the venue will "bring new life to the west end of Linden Road" and "enhance a sense of community in the area".
Another added: "The shop has, for many years, been an eyesaw [sic] and a failing business.
"It is refreshing that a new local amenity will be created for the enjoyment of all; an extension of the pre-existing use to provide a modern venue for local residents to enjoy quality produce both on and off site."
One supporter said that online retailers like Amazon are “killing businesses on the high street”, but that “this is one area that can compete with the internet”.
They added: “I support a new cool place to go and help keep Gosforth vibrant and interesting."
However, two opponents of the scheme warned that Gosforth Traders could operate as a "pure drinking establishment" and that rowdy customers could "expose our children to strong language and sexual expletives".
One of the objectors told the council: "The premises is in a residential area and there is nothing in the application to say how the owners will stop anti-social behaviour on the residential streets surrounding the premises."
