Skip to content
Search
AI Powered
Human content, AI powered search.
Latest Stories

Birmingham store faces tough opposition to 24-hour alcohol bid

Birmingham store faces tough opposition to 24-hour alcohol bid
Vale Stores in Handsworth. (Photo courtesy of Birmingham City Council via LDRS)
Newsdesk
By NewsdeskFeb 05, 2022
Newsdesk
See Full Bio

A Handsworth off-licence could become a ‘magnet for vulnerable people’ if granted a 24-hour alcohol licence, a councillor has claimed.

And he’s joing several residents, the police and licensing enforcement in objecting to the application by The Vale Stores in Handsworth, with a hearing due next week (Feb 7).

The shop, located a 43 Church Vale, already has a licence to sell alcohol between the hours of 7am and 11pm, and is looking to extend this at next week’s hearing.

However they face stiff opposition with the police, licensing enforcement, a local councillor and several local residents writing to the council to object to the plans.

“Having these extended opening hours will only add littering of bottles, cans, encourage more street drinking on Church Vale triangle and increase the high level of anti-social behaviour that we are already experiencing in this ward,” writes Councillor Mahmood Hussain (Lab, Birchfield).

“Many properties close to the store are either HMO or supported living and this could become a magnet for vulnerable people due to the long trading hours proposed.

“Please take this into consideration when you are making the decision on this application.”

A local resident added: “We already have a street drinking problem, particularly during the summer months and this will just serve to aggravate the problem.

“Our neighbourhood is already blighted by littering and flytipping, and having cans and bottles readily available may very well end up on the street or in front gardens.

“There are already a number of shops where alcohol can be purchased very close to 43 Church Vale, namely the “post office” on Church Vale and the general store next door.

“This is more than adequate. There is a very high number of very vulnerable people housed in supported ( or not) accommodation and in HMOs on and around Church Vale.

“The availability of alcohol 24/7 may encourage even more anti social behaviour.”

The hearing will take place at 10am next Monday (Feb 7).

Related News

Bestway Group mourns loss of Abdul Khalique Bhatti
Industry News

Bestway Group mourns loss of Abdul Khalique Bhatti

iStock.jpg
Industry Reports

Expenditure over Christmas 'expected to be held back'

More for you

Retailers must brace for 'spending squeeze' as consumer confidence 'nosedives'

Retailers must brace for 'spending squeeze' as consumer confidence 'nosedives'

Retailers could find themselves facing a New Year spending squeeze as public confidence in the state of the economy took a nosedive, show recent industry data.

According to BRC-Opinium data released today (23), consumer expectations over the next three months of their personal financial situation remained at -3 in December, the same as in November.

Keep ReadingShow less
Spreading joy: Convenience retailers shine bright this Christmas

One Stop Carlton Convenience store

Spreading joy: Convenience retailers shine bright this Christmas

With Christmas spirit in full swing, convenience retailers across the UK are stepping up to spread joy, warmth, and a sense of togetherness within their communities.

From heartwarming events to dazzling decorations, convenience stores are going beyond their daily operations to create magical moments for customers.

Keep ReadingShow less
Bestway turns to CVA to shed vacant shops

Bestway turns to CVA to shed vacant shops

Bestway Group is turning to a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) to exit about 35 vacant shops which previously traded as Bargain Booze and Wine Rack off-licences, stated recent reports.

According to Sky News, Bestway Group has informed landlords about plans for a company voluntary arrangement (CVA) for its Bestway Retail arm as it wanted to exit dozens of leases tied to shops which lie vacant within its retail estate.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sugro UK enables member wholesalers get essential equipment savings
Sugro UK

Sugro UK enables member wholesalers get essential equipment savings

Sugro UK, member-owned buying and marketing group with over 90 members and a combined turnover of over £2.5 billion, has further enhanced its membership offering by giving wholesalers within the group an opportunity to source and save on essential equipment items for their business needs.

Under the new partnership, Sugro members will now have access to their own dedicated account manager at Partington Engineering Limited Ltd who will guide them through a range of solutions to save time and money on moving and storing goods.

Keep ReadingShow less
Trade union calls for 'respect, decent break' for retail staff

iStock image

Trade union calls for 'respect, decent break' for retail staff

Retail trade union Usdaw today (23) called on the shopping public to show respect for shop workers, stating that the busy pre-Christmas shopping period leaves retail workers exhausted and in need of a proper break.

Paddy Lillis – Usdaw General Secretary says, “By the time retail workers get to Christmas Eve, they will have been through a very busy run-up to Christmas. Our members tell us that incidents of verbal abuse are much worse in December and through to the New Year, when shops are busy, customers are stressed and things can boil over.

Keep ReadingShow less