A NEWPORT newsagent has lost its licence after 55 children as young as 11 were allegedly sold alcohol and told to hide it from the CCTV cameras.

B&J Newsagent, on Chepstow Road, today had its licence revoked by Newport City Council’s licensing sub committee following a council report which alleged a 12-year-old girl was hospitalised after drinking vodka she had bought at the shop.

The committee heard how the girl was found with an alcohol blood content of 1,182 mg per litre – more than double the drink driving limit of 800 mg per litre.

The newsagent, run by Jayesh Patel since 2005, was the subject of 13 complaints from worried members of the public between January 21 and February 23 this year.

Representatives from Gwent Police, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board and Trading Standards gave evidence at the meeting today following a report by the council’s principal licensing officer, Alistair Dearling.

The committee, chaired by Cllr Allan Morris, heard how Mr Patel regularly sold alcohol and sometimes cigarettes to children, leading to instances of children soiling themselves, vomiting and becoming unconscious after drinking the alcohol.

A staff member of St Julian's School said when he drove past the newsagent it looked like there was a “school assembly” with up to 60 children gathered outside.

Statements taken from children by Gwent Police alleged licence-holder Mr Patel told them not to point at the alcohol to avoid being caught on CCTV. The children said Mr Patel, or “Jay”, would tell them to put the bottle in their coat or pass their bag around the counter so he could covertly place the bottle in the minor’s bag.

Ruth Harris, from Trading Standards, told the committee she believed Mr Patel got to know the faces of youths who were “safe” to sell age-restricted items to, managing to avoid test purchases.

But Mr Patel claimed his shop makes no difference to the number of youths who spend time at Beechwood Park, which is often home to anti-social behaviour. Mr Patel said: "The kids have always been there. Because of the park we always have a problem with the kids whether we sell alcohol or not."

Cllr Charles Ferris asked Mr Patel if he was placating the children by giving them what they want, Mr Patel answered: “Some of the time”.

"On a few occasions I have played along with them and say, okay stick it in your coat if you want.”

But Mr Patel also said: “Over the time I have had the licence I have been constantly accused of doing things I haven't done.

“Most of these people who gave statements didn't buy alcohol off of me. Kids are already intoxicated when they come to the shop.”

Mr Patel added he suffers constant abuse in Newport. He said: “I really don't want to be in Newport any longer than necessary and I will sell up as soon as I can.”

PC Rachael Honey-Morris, of Gwent Police, said: “It’s unacceptable. These youths are victims of crime themselves”.

After more than two hours of evidence, the licensing committee decided to revoke the licence because of what Cllr Morris called "overwhelming evidence".