Birmingham shop denies COVID-19 rule breach allegations

Staff at a Birmingham convenience store bidding to sell alcohol 24 hours per day have refuted claims it has breached COVID-19 guidelines.

A licensing consultant for Select Xpress in Warwick Road, Acock’s Green, also answered claims from objectors that lengthening opening hours would attract antisocial behaviour.

A Birmingham City Council Licensing sub-committee heard representations from the store at a hearing to decide the shop’s application for a licence variation today (16 December).

West Midlands Police have not objected to the application provided conditions including CCTV and staff training in the Licensing Act 2003 are met.

Two residents had written letters of objection, including allegations the store does not abide by the Government’s rules around stopping the spread of coronavirus.

Speaking at the meeting, licensing consultant Naga Rajesh said: “We understand a couple of residents have concerns regarding this application.

“I can confirm if there were any concerns around crime and antisocial behaviour, the police would not have approved this application.

“We have a number of restrictions in place to promote the licensing objectives.”

Referencing an objection letter which states the shop is breaching the government guidance, he said: “We are not breaching any guidance.

“I can confirm the premises is Covid-safe. There was a risk assessment carried out and the police approved it.

“We are not trading 24 hours at the moment and we are not breaching any Government rules. I don’t know which rules they are specifying.

“It’s true there are already 24-hour stores in the area but this is not a valid reason for the objection.

“We have not had any other objections from other responsible authorities or even the local school.

“My client has invested lots of money into this business. This is my client’s livelihood.

“You don’t have any evidence in front of you to suggest this proposal will undermine the licensing objectives.”

No representations were made by objectors at the meeting.

The sub-committee, chaired by Cllr Mike Leddy (Lab) and also including Cllr Mary Locke (Lab) and Cllr Martin Straker Welds (Lab), are due to give a decision within five days.