Hearing told of rowdy pupils stealing from shops 'during break time'

An application for permission to sell alcohol at Arthur’s Daily on Highfield Road, South Shore, has been approved by Blackpool Council despite objections from an existing trader.

Jeyanthini Sutha, who also operates an off-licence on that part of Highfield Road, warned the opening of another off-licence would increase anti-social behaviour from pupils at nearby schools.

Arthur’s Daily is set to open in premises opposite Highfield Leadership Academy.

In a submission to a town hall licensing hearing, Mrs Sutha said groups of up to 15 pupils come into her store before and after school, and at break times.

The document says some pupils have been barred from the shop due to their anti-social behaviour including swearing and chanting which creates “a very intimidating environment for other customers.”

Theft is a “regular occurrence” including of alcohol, chocolate and sweets despite CCTV and staff members on duty.

Mrs Sutha said school staff try and manage the situation but warned in her submission another shop in the area could add to the existing problems.

Applicant Luke Stubberfield was granted permission by a council licensing panel to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises between 7am and 11pm Sunday to Thursday, and until 11.30pm Friday and Saturday.

He told the panel he was a former pupil of Highfield Leadership Academy himself and was aware of the potential issues, and of regular patrols of nearby shops by teachers.

A decision notice approving the application says: “There was no evidence before the panel to suggest that Mr Stubberfield would be unable to manage numbers of school children entering his shop at break times etc.

“If he wants his business to be successful, he will need to ensure that stock is not lost to shoplifting whether it be from schoolchildren or adults.”

However, a condition was included to ensure the chiller containing alcohol is placed in a location where it will be clearly supervised from behind the counter, without obstruction from the slush machine or other shop displays likely to attract children.

Highfield Leadership Academy did not respond to a request for a comment.