New off-licence sparks drinking fears for town

A new off-licence has been approved to open at a former print shop in Wolverhampton, despite fears it will worsen town's drinking problems.

Planning permission has been granted to sell alcohol from the Daily Stop and Off Licence on Mount Pleasant, in Bilston.

Neighbouring music venue Robin 2 said the decision was a "bad look" and said it risked undermining the council's £20 million investment in regenerating the town.

The venue's management said another outlet selling cheap alcohol would add to existing problems in Bilston.

The council's licensing committee said concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour could not be linked to the proposed shop because it had yet to begin trading.

Jack Heffernan, from the Robin, told the planning committee he had counted at least ten premises selling alcohol on the short route between Bilston High Street and the venue.

He said: "It's difficult enough with already many cheap drinking establishments in and around Bilston.

"We see people turning up to shows having consumed far too much alcohol. It's not only unsafe for them, it's unsafe for our patrons, our staff and people living locally.

"Bilston is a hot spot for drink-related crime and antisocial behaviour. We think this will just make the situation worse."

However, Nick Semper, representing the applicant, said no evidence had been presented to support claims that the new shop would contribute to those issues.

While granting the licence, councillors reduced the permitted alcohol sales hours from 07:00-23:00 to 09:00-22:00.

Bilston North councillor Linda Leach had previously raised concerns over the proposed opening times, warning they could worsen crime and antisocial behaviour in the area.

A licensing report noted there were already 40 licensed premises in the Bilston North ward.

Objections from the council's licensing department and public health officials were later withdrawn after discussions with the applicant, including an agreement not to sell high-strength alcohol.

In a statement submitted with the application, the applicant said the vacant property would receive "significant investment" through a full refurbishment and modernisation programme.

The statement added that the business would primarily operate as a convenience store, with alcohol sales forming part of a wider range of food and household goods.

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