Alcohol licence granted to Dudley restaurant despite anti-social behaviour complaints
A Caribbean restaurant in Dudley has been awarded an alcohol licence despite concerns raised over anti-social behaviour.
The applicant, Mr Augustine Nsinga, had applied for the licence to cover The Coast Afro Cuisine on King Street in Dudley and also the building next door in the hope of expanding the site.
Prior to the meeting local residents had raised concerns about loud music and fights occurring outside the premises.
In one statement addressed to Dudley Council licensing committee a resident complained that she had been forced to take sleeping tablets because of the loud music played by the restaurant.
The resident said: “My children cannot sleep due to the noise resonating inside my building until sometimes after 3am. On many occasions, I personally have had to take sleeping tablets which I’ve never done in the whole of my life because I literally cannot sleep because of the music and the noise.
“Once they close their premises that does not stop their patrons making noise and fighting on the street. Sometimes it could take over an hour for them to disappear and then we’re looking at 4am or if not later.
“I am urging the local authorities not to grant any form of late licence after 11pm to The Coast and revoke all licenses after 11pm because this premises is not suitable as a nightclub. “
But, following a Dudley Council licensing committee this week, officers agreed to grant the licence – with 34 conditions attached.
The Coast will now be permitted to supply alcohol as well as host live and recorded music and the performance of dance from Monday to Sunday 10am – 2am.
Both the fire services and licensing authority were happy for the licence to be granted, as long as the pre-agreed conditions were attached to the licence. These included staff training, increased CCTV and door staff.
Following the decision any objectors will now have 21 days to appeal the decision.
