12-year-old receives 4000 signatures for ‘Jesse’s Shop’ in Coogee to remain open

A 12-year-old Coogee entrepreneur loved by locals has gathered over 4000 signatures in support, after neighbouring residents called for his shop to be closed.

Coogee entrepreneur and well-known “friendly face” behind Jesse’s Shop, Jesse Lane, is calling for support from locals and tourists to continue trading at Dunningham Reserve, after resident complaints.

Jesse, 12, has served customers from eight to five on weekends and holidays for over two years, with overwhelming praise from locals.

“It’s so refreshing to see a kid of his age showing initiative and interacting with the community,” Coogee resident Melissa Archer said.

“He brightens up peoples’ days.”

In the Summer holidays, Jesse received complaints, submitted through Randwick City Council, suggesting his shop be closed.

Jesse Lane, 12, serving customers and collecting signatures at his shop in Coogee. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“We have 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,” said a council spokesperson.

“Council has taken a very sensitive approach noting the boy’s age and over the past months we have been speaking with the boy and his parents reminding them about the restrictions in place … we have now received a formal application from the boy seeking approval to operate the stand.”

Jesse’s Shop is a hit with most of the locals. Picture: Justin Lloyd

In addition to this, Jesse has also started a petition to keep the shop, with around 4000 signatures.

When informed of the complaints, Ms Archer said this was “very shortsighted.”

“That’s not encouraging future generations to think outside the box, and have a go,” she said.

Jesse said he loves spending the weekends chatting with locals.

More than 4000 people have signed a petition to keep his shop open. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“I do school, my homework, jobs and play with my friends after school during the week … before the shop, I was bored on weekends, so it gives me something to do.”

Jesse sells canned drinks, bottled water, dog treats, sunscreen and ice blocks and donates some profits to the Australian Skin Cancer Foundation.

“It has slowly evolved from a classic lemonade stand,” said Jesse’s mother, Catherine.