Mr Tipsy gets licence to sell boozy ice creams in Brighton

Tom Gathercole’s plans to sell alcoholic ice cream hung in the balance after an anonymous council official objected – believing the desserts would contribute to crime and A&E callouts.

As a result, the 24-year-old’s vision for a shop in George Street, Brighton, was then brought to a licencing panel to decide on its future.

Mr Gathercole is now delighted after being told they had decided in his favour.

A selection of Mr Tipsy ice creams

He said: “At least now we know for sure that we’re coming down and we’re so excited to show Brighton what Mr Tipsy is all about .

“We were told on Friday so we have been celebrating over the weekend.”

The strongest of Mr Tipsy’s current iced offerings – “Tequiling Me Softly” – is one unit of alcohol per scoop.

This means people would need to gulp down ten scoops to drink the equivalent of a bottle of wine, according to NHS calculations.

However, a council official objected believing the parlour could worsen alcohol-related crime, health problems and A&E call-outs in an area already one of the city’s worst.

A selection of Mr Tipsy ice creams

Mr Gathercole said: “We have plans in the future to raise it to 15, however we would only be allowed to sell one ice cream between 12.5 and 15 per cent at a time.”

Offerings from the shop set to open in June include “Rum Forrest, Rum” – a Mango rum punch with a tropical infusion of white rum, mangoes, lime juice and coconut milk. The drink is six per cent ABV.

“No Way Rose” – Rose wine, raspberries and vodka with a combination of fruity rosé wine, raspberries and vodka. The drink is five per cent ABV.

And “Is This The Way To Ameretto?” – creamy amaretto ice cream with hints of vanilla at five per cent ABV.