bbc.com
Greggs' 24/7 Newcastle Branch Faces Police Objection
Police oppose Greggs' application to extend opening hours of two Newcastle city centre branches to 24/7 due to concerns over increased crime and disorder, while Greggs argues it would help disperse late-night crowds.
- What specific evidence does each side present to support their claims?
- Police cite the additional 30 weekly opening hours as a factor that will "logically generate crime." They also highlight the affordability of Greggs' food as a potential attractant for groups of people, especially at later hours. Greggs emphasizes its experience operating a 24/7 branch at Newcastle Airport, proposes security measures like door supervisors and body cameras, and points out that other businesses, like McDonald's, maintain late-night hours.
- What is the core conflict between Greggs and Northumbria Police regarding the proposed extended opening hours?
- Northumbria Police fear that extending Greggs' opening hours to 24/7 will create a focal point for crime and disorder due to the affordability of its food and potential congregation of intoxicated individuals. Greggs counters that its extended hours would aid in dispersing late-night crowds and that it operates responsibly, citing the example of its 24/7 airport branch.
- What are the potential long-term consequences of Newcastle City Council's decision on public health and city planning?
- Approving the application could exacerbate existing issues related to obesity, particularly among shift workers and vulnerable populations, due to increased access to late-night, calorie-dense food. Conversely, rejection could limit consumer choice and potentially fail to address the dispersal of late-night crowds, potentially increasing disorder in other areas of the city.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The article presents a balanced view of Greggs' application, including arguments from both the police and Greggs. However, the inclusion of the police's concerns about increased crime and disorder being the opening paragraph might subtly frame the issue negatively from the outset. The quote from Sgt Graham Yare, "will logically generate crime," is presented without direct rebuttal, potentially giving it undue weight. Conversely, Greggs' arguments about dispersing revellers and offering choice are presented, but potentially less prominently.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, although terms like "focal point" and "flashpoint" used by the police carry negative connotations. The phrase "calorie-dense food" in the public health department's argument is slightly loaded, implying an inherent negative aspect of Greggs' products. The use of "affordability" in relation to Greggs' food could also be interpreted as subtly negative, implying it attracts those more likely to be involved in crime.
Bias by Omission
The article omits information on the current crime statistics in the area around the Greggs branches. Data on crime rates before and after similar 24-hour establishments opened in the city would provide crucial context. Additionally, the perspectives of local residents or businesses are missing, which could offer insights into the potential impacts of extended opening hours.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a false dichotomy between Greggs contributing to crime and being a solution to it through dispersal of crowds. The reality is likely far more nuanced, with the impact potentially varying depending on various factors.
Sustainable Development Goals
The proposal to extend Greggs bakery operating hours to 24/7 in Newcastle city centre raises concerns regarding increased crime, disorder, and public health issues, thus negatively impacting the goal of creating safe, inclusive, and sustainable cities and communities. Northumbria Police argue that extended hours would attract more people, potentially leading to more crime, while the council's public health department highlights the negative impact on obesity rates due to increased access to calorie-dense food at late hours. These concerns directly contradict the aim of SDG 11 to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.