Halesowen shop booze bid goes ahead
Residents protesting against a Halesowen convenience store's bid to sell alcohol say their fears have been ignored after it was given the green light.
Residents protesting against a Halesowen convenience store's bid to sell alcohol say their fears have been ignored after it was given the green light.
A total of 61 residents objected to plans by Cavan Martin Associates Ltd to sell alcohol from Howley Grange Convenience Store in Howley Grange Road.
Neighbours had hoped they would be able to block the shop owner's bid to sell alcohol from the site, claiming that they felt the area was already plagued by anti-social behaviour.
But this week permission was granted by Dudley Council's licensing committee for the shop to sell alcohol between 7am and 11pm seven days a week.
The residents claimed noise and litter problems in the area would be aggravated by the sale of alcohol.
Shop manager Daljit Sandhu has put in place a number of safeguards – including a pledge to operate a 'Challenge 21' policy.
This means that shop staff will ask anyone who looks under the age of 21, to prove they are 18 or over.
He has also agreed to display "prominent" signs, asking customers to have regard for residents living in nearby premises when entering and leaving the shop.
He says that litter bins are provided in the shop for customers use.
Mr Sandhu claimed he already keeps a refusal book on the premises, containing details of customers who have been refused service in the past.
He said: "The store is also equipped with CCTV cameras and Mr Sandhu has pledged to train all of his staff, with regards to the sale of alcohol and to liaise regularly with police."
Protestor Sarah Burrows was disappointed, though not surprised, by the committee's decision.
She called for residents to report any problems and make the area an alcohol free zone.
She said: "We feel we're being ignored."
Halesowen South councillor David Vickers feels sorry for residents and blamed the situation on the way licensing laws are written.
He said: "We could have opposed it on the grounds that we think there might be problems. We're stuck really, but that's the law.
"I'm very sorry for them but we have to act within the law. It does make you feel powerless."
