Just what part of "we don't want a bar on our doorstep" do the licensing justices in this area not understand? I only ask since The Journal reported this week that in spite of a petition from 1,300 residents of Gosforth objecting to the "continental café" plans for the United Reformed Church on the High Street, the magistrates granted a full liquor licence for the premises. The campaigning residents weren't complaining because they live in what was described as one of the region's "wealthiest suburbs." No, they were up in arms because they are already well aware of what has happened in neighbouring Jesmond, where seven days a week the main street has become a mass of people zig zagging across the road to visit bar after bar in between a never-ending stream of traffic. When Jesmond's first trendy bar opened a few years ago, we, the residents, thought it was jolly nice - something a bit different for the people who live in the vicinity. What happened is that word got around. The people who visit Osborne Road now are not from the area. Instead they arrive in cars, taxis, coaches, even stretch limousines, lured by the prospect of being able to see and be seen and to drink in any number of smart pubs, often outside. Those Journal readers who live in the country or on pleasant housing estates where there may be one or two neighbourhood pubs must think this saga of the war between breweries or so-called leisure groups and residents is a storm in a teacup, a snobby response to the rise and rise of a youth culture that is almost inevitably alcohol-dominated. From that distance they perhaps can't envisage the nuisance factor - and that doesn't just mean noise but really anti-social behaviour Yes, the stories of people having sex or throwing up in gardens, of men urinating in the street in daylight in full view of everyone and litter strewn everywhere are all true, and yet the families who live closest to the bars are supposed to sit back and accept it as a sign of the times. Or move away. Of course not all the residents of Gosforth will be directly affected by the new "leisure facilities" planned for Gosforth High Street, just as the majority of residents in Jesmond live well away from the "polluted" areas. But why should those who fear the worst be over-ruled when the precedent has already been set? This weekend Newcastle is one of 77 cities and towns in Britain to come under tough police scrutiny for its binge drinking culture. So wouldn't this have been the ideal time to carry out a full survey to find out how many bars, pubs, clubs, restaurants etc any place needs. One more can't make that much of a difference, you might shrug. But one less will make no difference at all. And you'll notice I didn't mention the word student once. | 
