A NEWPORT newsagent could lose its licence after allegations 55 children aged as young as 11 have regularly been sold alcohol at the shop – leading to some being hospitalised and some suffering unconsciousness.

In a statement to Newport City Council’s licensing sub-committee made by fair trading officer Emma Abbott, she states evidence collected alleges children have soiled themselves, vomited, became unconscious and even hospitalised after drinking alcohol they were sold from B&J Newsagent on Chepstow Road.

In some cases, the newsagent was illegally selling the alcohol to children by asking them to put it in their coat so the CCTV cameras would not record the sale, the report states.

Between January 21 and February 23 this year Trading Standards received 13 complaints from worried members of the public.

The report states the shop also sold tobacco to children. Staff at local high school St Julians said they had seen an increase in the seizure of cigarettes from children aged 11 to 14 and had overheard children talking about buying cigarettes and alcohol from the shop.

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

Jayesh Patel, who has held the premises licence since 2005, could have his alcohol licence suspended or revoked when the licensing sub-committee meet to review the application on Tuesday, April 14. He declined to comment until the end of the review.

The report gathered evidence from Trading Standards, Gwent Police and Aneurin Bevan University Health Board.

Ms Abbott, fair trading officer at Newport council's trading standards section, said in the report: “During the course of my dealings with these complaints several sources have expressed similar concerns.

“In particular these are: the supply of alcohol and tobacco to children as young as 11 and 12; children becoming so drunk that many of them have soiled themselves and vomited uncontrollably for extended periods of time and even become unconscious.”

Ms Abbott said there was “common knowledge” in Newport that the newsagent would sell age restricted items to young children, meaning children from other areas of Newport were travelling to the shop. She also mentioned a “code” which was used by the shop owner to ensure only children the owner knows are “safe” can buy age-restricted items.

Evidence alleged two 12-year-old girls became so ill from alcohol bought at the shop they had to be taken to hospital. Another 13-year-old was brought home drunk by three police officers because she could not walk.

In evidence, other children said the premises holder told them to put bottles of alcohol in their coat to hide the sale.

Dr Gillian Richardson, executive director of public health at Aneurin Bevan, said: “The evidence is overwhelming as to why we should be protecting children and young people from drinking alcohol in excess quantities and at a young age.

“It is therefore imperative that every effort is made to prevent the sale of alcohol to children and young people and protect them from harm.”

Gwent police said the investigation is being dealt with solely by Trading Standards. In the report, Gwent Police said they support the application for a licence review by Trading Standards.

The report said the police first heard of the issue when an officer's attention was drawn to an A&E call involving an intoxicated 12-year-old girl who had been taken to the Royal Gwent Hospital by ambulance. The officer made contact with the girl's parent and then took a statement.

In February the police then seized the hard drive at the newsagent which was given to Trading Standards.