Concerns over plans for new cafe in Birmingham
A new café and restaurant venue near the site of a historic shooting in Birmingham is being objected to over crime fears.
Staff have applied for an alcohol licence for a new venue for Flamingo Café and Restaurant, in Villa Road, Lozells – but this has been opposed by council cabinet member councillor Waseem Zaffar.
The site was once the Bull’s Head, which previously had its licence revoked following violence over a decade ago.
The move to the new venue follows a previous, smaller premises for the same Flamingo business in the road and the owners are offering to surrender the licence for the old address.
Addressing Birmingham City Council licensing sub-committee, councillor Zaffar, cabinet member for transport and the environment, who represents Lozells, said: “Historically, the premises were known for drug dealing and gang activity with a fatal shooting within yards from these premises which instigated the closure of the pub.
“Whilst some would argue that this was 12 years ago, I would respectively state that these premises, if granted a licence, could return to old ways if there was sale of alcohol from this site.
“Very near this site on Villa Road, there was a serious incident less than a year ago where two individuals were stabbed.
“I am also aware that the West Midlands Police Violence Reduction Unit have deployed extra resources in this neighbourhood to tackle the rise of serious crime.”
A resident of Lozells also spoke during the meeting to contest the opening of the venue, and said there was not sufficient parking for new customers.
A representative for the applicants said: “There simply won’t be any further licensable activities carrying on in the area as the new one won’t operate until the older one is surrendered.
“They both agree to all of this before the surrender of the existing licence. We have gone further than has been agreed with the police and environmental health.
“I would invite you to grant the application as it now stands.”
The meeting heard the police do not contest the application as it stands provided conditions are followed.
An alcohol licence was revoked for the nearby Observatory Pub in May.
The sub-committee, chaired by councillor Phil Davis, and also including councillor Mary Locke and councillor Bob Beauchamp, will make a decision within five days.
