'All-day' alcohol plan at new market provokes row

A row has broken out over plans to sell alcohol at a market between 08:00 and 23:00 daily.

City of Wolverhampton Council applied to change its licence for the newly revamped Bilston Market, but two councillors raised objections to the proposed changes.

In its application, the council said all events at the market would be subject to appropriate risk assessments, which are aimed at dealing with noise, crowd control and litter.

However, councillor Leigh New has shared concerns the long hours could add to crime and disorder as well as public nuisance.

Councillor Linda Leach said she also had concerns the plans could cause an increase in anti-social behaviour and alcohol-related disorder.

She explained she had no objections to the other proposed changes to the market's licence, but the council's licensing committee should look at whether the extension to 23:00 was appropriate.

"Bilston town centre is a busy community area, and the market is used by a wide range of residents, including families, older people and vulnerable members of the community," the former Labour mayor said.

Proposed changes to the licence include allowing live and recorded music, as well as dance and other similar live performances during the same hours.

The outdoor market re-opened in July after £9m improvements and an eight-month delay, with the improvements including a new events space.

A hearing will be held on 28 September to decide whether the licence can be revised.

Bilston High Street, Church Street and the market as well, as the nearby Morrisons supermarket, already make up a "cumulative impact zone", because of higher crime and disorder rates and the number of pubs, clubs, late-night venues and takeaways in a small area.

It means new licence applications are subject to stricter conditions and presumed refusal - with the onus on applicants to prove their business will not add to existing issues.

The authority has rejected applications in the past because of concerns over the sale of alcohol within such zones, including those in Bilston and Wolverhampton city centre.

This news was gathered by the Local Democracy Reporting Service which covers councils and other public service organisations.

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