Halesowen off-licence to reopen despite fears over late-night sales
An off-licence is to reopen after councillors previously rejected an application because the would-be manager could not name the laws covering the sale of alcohol.
Drinks World, in Manor Lane, Halesowen, has been given permission to sell wines and spirits after assurances the business was in no way connected to the previous applicant.
Members of Dudley Council’s licensing committee granted a premises licence to sell alcohol between 11am to 10pm seven days a week, despite written objections by local councillors citing after-hour sales, parking and possible harm to children.
Patrick Burke, speaking on behalf of the applicant Mr Gurminder Rai, said “Both objections relate to the close proximity to schools.
"The shop will open with limited hours, after schools start in the morning and plans to sell quality wines, beers and spirits so they will not be promoting anything that will attract children."
Saying decisions on licence applications should be based on evidence and not on speculation he added the fears of after-hour and under-age sales were merely assumptions.
He added his client was experienced in managing licenced businesses after running a store in West Bromwich for two years.
The application came after councillors threw out a request in June after the proposed manager was unable to say what the four basic requirements of the licensing laws were
At that time, the committee rejected the application, saying the applicant’s English was very limited and he was not able to explain how he would manage the premises and meet the licensing objectives despite the questions and his answers being interpreted.
But Mr Burke, assuring the committee the applications were unrelated, added: “This is a totally different business. It’s a new lease on the premises and has nothing to do with anyone who was previously before you.”
