New hearing set for controversial Wolverhampton 24-hour off-licence plan

The new Morrisons Daily store in Stubby Lane, Wednesfield, Wolverhampton has applied to extend its licensing hours which would allow alcohol to be sold throughout the night. 

The move has angered neighbours who say the move will attract trouble for their estate.

A new hearing has been set over a controversial plan by a shop to sell alcohol 24 hours a day.

The move has angered neighbours who say the move will attract trouble for their estate.

Neighbours in Wednesfield had already complained to the council before last month’s hearing was postponed saying the plan for the former Co-op supermarket would 'create even more problems' for the residential area.

Four complaints from neighbours were lodged with City of Wolverhampton Council in October claiming structural work to convert the former supermarket had carried on until 1am, staff were dragging metal delivery cages at 4.30am and residents were also subjected to shouting and anti-social behaviour late at night from customers trying to get staff’s attention to buy alcohol.

A decision was expected to have been made on November 19 but the licensing hearing was postponed.

One objection, which is redacted in the licensing report, said: “I’ve lived here all my life and there have been changes relating to drink, drugs and knife crime around the estate. 

“I’m concerned that selling alcohol 24 hours may create even more problems and issues for residents.”

“Not good for the people or the area to have alcohol served 24/7,” another objector added. “The area does not want more trouble.”

Also among the dozen objections, one neighbour said: “I’m scared of the people this is going to attract because to me anyone who is out at these times of night is up to no good.”

The council’s licensing department said it was happy to hold talks about the application but would not budge on the 24-hour move, calling for it to be turned down. It said the proposed 24-hour opening times were a 'significant departure' from the existing arrangement. Two nearby off-licences, Bargain Booze and Jass Stores, both close at 11pm with the Golden Wok takeaway the latest business to close in the area at 11.30pm. 

Both public and environmental health officers at City of Wolverhampton Council have raised concerns about extending alcohol hours – saying there was not enough information in the application to show how the off-licence would protect people from public nuisance and potential trouble. 

“Data indicates that Wolverhampton stands out regionally for alcohol-related harm and hospital admissions,” the council said. “Moreover, Wolverhampton has one of the highest alcohol-specific mortality rates in the UK.”

A licence was issued in October for the former Co-op store with 7am to 10.30pm opening hours. The licence included Christmas Day restrictions which meant the shop could open from midday to 3pm and then again from 7pm to 10.30pm. According to the licence, alcohol could be served between 8am and 11pm from Monday to Saturday and 10am to 11pm every Sunday. 

Wolverhampton Council’s licensing committee meets on December 10 to make a decision.