Anger as Wolverhampton school aims to get booze licence

Wolverhampton Grammar School wants the licence so it can sell alcohol until up to 11.30pm at social functions from its base on Compton Road.

Bosses say it will stop them from having to apply for temporary event licenses throughout the year, although the school's previous attempt to secure a licence was thrown out.

Some residents have reacted angrily to bid, with some saying selling alcohol in school poses a risk to children and sends out the wrong messages.

Concerns have also been raised over the potential increase in traffic, parking problems, littering and anti-social behaviour.

The school, which charges £12,500 per year for students, is situated in Park ward, which is one of the worst areas of the city for alcohol-related anti-social behaviour.

One resident who registered an objection over the plans wrote: "I am shocked and dismayed to see that they have lodged another application after having a previous one rejected.

"Selling alcohol in school poses a risk to children as it is giving them the wrong messages about drinking. It will also be a public nuisance, as we already have enough outlets in the area selling alcohol.

"The area is blighted by the aftermath of alcohol misuse, i.e. drunks on the street and discarded alcohol containers littering the area."

An application by a school to sell alcohol on its premises inevitably raises eyebrows.

Wolverhampton Grammar School is making the application to cover functions outside of school hours and the matter is, of course, unrelated to pupils.

We must, however, question the wisdom of Wolverhampton council in recommending it apply for a permanent licence, effectively granting it carte blanche to sell alcohol late into the evening whenever it deems fit.

Even though it may have no intention to do so, the worry that will hang over its neighbours is that the potential will be there.

We see little wrong with the old arrangement the school had, of getting a temporary licence each time it needed.

The council can effectively wash its hands of the responsibility and the bureaucracy. But it would be setting the wrong precedent. Surely each request should be properly considered on individual merits. Schools, not just in the private sector, are increasingly having to think about how to increase their income.

People know what to expect when they live near a pub. They should not have to worry about it from a school.

Another resident, Catherine Gutteridge, has also objected to the plans.

She wrote: "The location is mainly a residential area and we already have parking issues on Merridale Lane when the Grammar School has functions on at the arts and drama centre."

Mr and Mrs J Bull also objected in a letter to the council. It read: "I cannot believe this is even being considered. Being able to drink until that late in the evening with music on...even the Grand in town is not open for drinking as long as they have requested.

"I beg you to consider the residents for a change."

Wolverhampton Grammar School spokeswoman Carrie Bennett, said: "Following advice from the licensing department of Wolverhampton City Council, the school has applied for a new premises licence, which allows for the sale of alcohol at evening events.

"This replaces the school's current arrangement of obtaining temporary event licences for school functions.

"Many schools hold a premises licence as it ensures that the proper safeguards and regulations are in place to protect the public, visitors, parents and ultimately the school's students."

A decision is due to be made on the application tomorrow by Wolverhampton council's licensing sub-committee.