A 12-year-old boy’s snack selling business in Sydney’s eastern suburbs has been shut down following complaints.

“Narky” residents in Coogee have complained about the local store with some even saying it’s a “child protection issue” due to him being alone for long periods of time.

‘Jesse’s Shop’ down at Dunningham Reserve is run by Jesse Lane.

He sells cold drinks, bottled water, dog treats, sunscreen and iceblocks!

Some of the money Jesse raises also goes towards the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

Randwick Council voted to reject Jesse’s official trading application.

Jesse’s mum Catherine told Ben Fordham, her son is devastated.

“If he hasn’t got this, there’s going to be a little bit of a void.”

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Randwick Council has told 2GB:

“Council became aware of a young boy operating a mini convenience store in Dunningham Reserve at Coogee in late 2021.  He was initially selling drinks but has expanded to include a range of products including sunscreen, insect repellent and dog treats.  

While we admire the innovation and entrepreneurial spirit of the young man, there are restrictions on commercial operations in public parks. Dunningham Reserve is Crown Land managed by Council as community land for the primary purpose of public recreation.

Council received a number of complaints from people concerned about the precedent of commercialisation of the park as well as concern about the safety and welfare of a young boy trading and handling money in a public place.

Council has taken a very sensitive approach to date noting the boy’s age and over the past months have been speaking with the boy and his parents reminding them about the restrictions in place. Despite this, the practice has continued and we received a formal application to operate the stand.

Council has carefully considered the application.  Unfortunately, it has determined that the activity is not consistent with the primary use of the land and it is not in the public interest for a proliferation of these types of activity along the length of the coastline.

Following Council’s decision, the applicant has been advised of the determination.”