Bondi to Coogee walk: Jesse’s Place to be shut down after neighbours complained to Randwick Council

Sydneysiders have gathered around a 12-year-old boy whose thriving business has been brutally shut down after grumpy locals complained.

Touted as Coogee’s ‘youngest retail entrepreneur’, Jesse Lane has enjoyed a thriving business selling cold drinks, repellents, dog treats and sunscreen from a tent outside his home in Sydney’s eastern suburbs to people who love the hugely popular Bondi to Coogee did a walk.

The 12-year-old started selling herbs in an ‘honesty box’ about 18 months ago, but has since diversified his range and now even accepts card payments.

This week, however, the Randwick Council voted to reject Jesse’s official trade application after he received two complaints from neighbors who said he was not allowed to use public land to make a profit.

The complaints came after the council warned that ‘Jesse’s Shop’ could be closed for good if the 12-year-old does not take out insurance.

Not to give up, Jesse took out an insurance plan and filed an official trade application – which has now, after several months of anticipation, been rejected.

With the future of Jesse’s Shop at stake, up to 6,000 residents have signed a petition supporting the popular clifftop stall.

On the “Coogee Local Loop” Facebook group, locals praised the “impressive” 12-year-old and encouraged others to get behind the shop.

Jesse got a lot of support from the locals but it didn’t stop him from quitting

‘If you happen to pass by young Jesse at the top of Dunningham Reserve who is just trying to earn some pocket money on weekends and school holidays by selling drinks, dog treats and sunscreen, please stop and sign his petition. He’s not in the way or bothering anyone,” said the original poster.

“He is also a very polite and respectful young man. Looks like there has already been a complaint from some disapproving people to let him move on!

“To them I say, find a life, leave the child alone, and how about complaining instead about the inconsiderate with their dogs on a lead!”

One woman said she had seen one of Jesse’s neighbors “trying” because he said he was late for school on a school evening in the summer.

“I was walking by one night and his mother (I presume) was helping him pack and he kept offering things to passers-by and I heard her say enough is enough and come home now. So I don’t think it’s the parents who are overloading him,” wrote another.

“I think he’s a great small business owner, but the thought has occurred to me that he’s out there a lot.”

On the ‘Coogee Local Loop’ Facebook page, locals praised the ‘impressive’ 12-year-old and encouraged others to sign the petition (photo, the Bondi to Coogee walk)

“He’s a great boy and very polite and enterprising. Very impressive work ethic. We should applaud him and make no complaints,” another fan wrote.

Another resident said she asked Jesse what he was spending the money on.

“He’s saving for his future, he said, to buy a car and stuff. Very bright child. I hope he continues to do great,” she said.

“He inspired my nine-year-old son with ADHD and wants to do what he does. We need more children like him, said another mother.

‘We should reward this kind of entrepreneurial spirit, not whine. I like to see his shop. I wish he could sell cold beers,” a local added.

Peter Lane, Jesse’s father, said the majority of locals were happy with the arrangement.

Peter Lane, Jesse’s father, said the majority of locals were happy with the arrangement and his son was a very “determined young child” (pictured, Coogee Beach)

“He’s a very determined young kid,” Mr Lane told the… Sydney Morning Herald.

“He loves to catch up with the regulars and he knows their dogs.”

A Randwick Council spokesperson told the publication’s councilors that Jesse had a “mini-supermarket” in late 2021.

They said the council had received “a number of complaints from people concerned about the precedent of the park’s commercialization, as well as concerns about the safety and well-being of a young boy trading and handling money in a public place.”

“While we admire the young man’s innovation and entrepreneurial spirit, there are restrictions on commercial activity in public parks,” they said.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Randwick Council for comment.