Newsagents in Wednesbury is given licence to sell booze
Bosses at a newsagents in Wednesbury have been given the go-ahead to sell alcohol despite 150 objections from residents worried about a rise in crime and anti-social behaviour.
Licensing bosses at Sandwell Council decided to grant permission to the owners of News Express in Coronation Road to start selling alcohol.
Residents had objected to the store's application, with around 150 signing two petitions that were submitted to the council's licensing panel. These included fears that another licensed premises in the street could lead to increased anti-social behaviour, including crime and disorder.
But Councillor Peter Allen, who sits on the licensing panel, said that while some of the points were relevant objections, no-one was at the meeting on Monday to make their representations. He also said the police had not made submissions as to a possible increase in anti-social behaviour.
"No objectors turned up," he said. "We couldn't explore what the objectors meant on their petitions, and no-one was there to display their fears.
"We took on board that there were concerns, but it was difficult for us to refuse the licence. In terms of concerns around increased anti-social behaviour, there's no evidence at this stage. So, although we did discuss the objections, we felt on balance it was only fair that we granted the licence."
A review that could see Smethwick-based Istanbul Continental Supermarket have its licence revoked was also due to take place at the meeting but has been adjourned until April 22. Customs seized 2,036 litres of beer, cider and spirits from the store in High Street on September 6 after they found the excise duty and VAT had not been paid on it. The total evaded duty was £3,746.56.
