RESIDENTS living near a shop in Newport are against plans to allow staff to sell alcohol and hold wine-tasting sessions.

Tarna Wine Ltd, in Dudley Street, Lliswerry, has applied for a licence to be open to the public for licensable activities and to sell alcohol for consumption both on and off the premises daily between 10am and 11pm.

But neighbours have submitted a 51-name petition in opposition, claiming it would attract gangs of youths, would become a public nuisance and would increase noise.

They say that because wine would be sold or tasted at any time of day or night in the shop, which is currently empty, the street would not be a safe place for children to play, and that their “family-orientated community”

is not suitable for licensed premises.

But Tarna Wines, which would be run under the supervision of Peter Ancsan, says it would take steps to protect children and public safety and prevent disorder and nuisance.

A report to the licensing committee says alcohol sold would only be for tasting, not for large consumption, and drunken people would not be welcome.

It says children would not be allowed in without parental supervision, there would be a “child-friendly” zone away from the alcohol and staff would be trained in identifying under-age people.

The report adds staff would take a zero-tolerance stance on drugs and fighting and repeat offenders would be banned.

Gwent Police said it was not appropriate to have a licensed premises in the middle of a residential street because the coming and going of customers and delivery vehicles could cause a public nuisance.

The application will be discussed by Newport’s licensing committee tomorrow.