Baker granted 24-hour licences for two stores

TWO branches of Greggs in central Newcastle will be allowed to open 24 hours a day despite fears they could become a “focal point” for crime.

- By JAMES ROBINSON

The chain had applied for a new licence from Newcastle City Council to extend the hours at stores on Grainger Street and opposite Central Station. Speaking at a licensing hearing last week, Northumbria Police representatives warned that by extending the two licences until 5am - thereby allowing them to open all day - drunken people would be encouraged to stay in the city centre later into the night.

Greggs argued that it was an “exceptional” operator and would take steps to ensure a 24/7 operation would not add to city centre crime issues.