Battle lines drawn as shop owner seeks alcohol licence in troubled Birmingham area
Problems with violent street drinkers will get worse if a shop in a troubled area is given a booze licence, it has been claimed.
Police and Erdington ward councillor Gareth Moore said they strongly opposed La Casa Boierului, in York Road, being awarded a premises licence at a council licensing sub-committee meeting.
They said the issue of “unpleasant aggressive” street drinkers on the nearby High Street was getting worse. Police officers said incidents included physical assaults, verbal abuse, thefts, intimidating behaviour, foul language and littering.
In evidence submitted prior to the hearing, Councillor Moore said a female had previously been threatened with rape by street drinkers.
Marian Dura, of La Casa Boierului, said he was looking to add Romanian alcohol products to his recently opened food store and added he would be diligent and responsible upholding licensing objectives.
He added he was aware of problems in the area but said he couldn’t be blamed for that.
A public spaces protection order was in place up until 2018 and a new one is currently being debated. The area also used to be in a cumulative impact zone but that is no longer in effect.
Councillor Moore said: “It is noticeable during conversations we have with West Midlands Police, Erdington BID and residents of the increasing problem of the street drinkers.
“They particularly congregate down the Six Ways end of the High Street, which York Street is just off. They literally sit around the corner on the benches.
“Anyone who has been to Erdington will have seen these street drinkers. They are there pretty much all the time, they sit there from early morning to early evening drinking, sitting on benches.
“It is particularly unpleasant. Quite often they are aggressive, they will shout, they will swear, we have a lot of complaints from families with young children who are unhappy with what their young children have sadly had to listen to as well as the inappropriate behaviour that’s taking place.
“Quite frankly, I don’t see how this premises will not contribute to the problem given all the others have done. Street drinkers will go to these premises and the others. They’re not stupid, they know what to do to obtain the alcohol.
“There’s about 14 off-licences alone in the vicinity of this premises. That’s not including pubs.”
Pc Innayah Aziz, of West Midlands Police, said: “For over five years there has been a long-term street drinking problem on Erdington High Street and individuals and groups being highly intoxicated. As a result, the local community fear for their safety.
“Those under the influence of alcohol are intimidating and aggressive, particularly when gathered in groups, becoming physically and verbally violent towards members of the public.
“Subsequently, the area has a low footfall in attracting people to the area and fears and concerns continue to be raised regarding this serious problem.”
Mr Dura said: “This is a new business and I offer a wide range of food items for my customers and I want to add some alcohol to this range.
“I will always show my diligence in my operation and I will always act in a very responsible manner.
“I will always make sure I follow all my rules and that Challenge 25 is always in use. I’m aware of the problems in the area and will make sure no single cans are sold.
“There may be other neighbouring premises which cause anti-social behaviour but I cannot be blamed for the problems with their premises.
“I have asked for reasonable hours and I will always manage the shop with very strict rules.”
Committee members are considering the application and will issue a decision in the coming days.
