Extended hours at Walsall pub causes upset as date set for decision

Currently the Boathouse on Park Road can open and serve alcohol from 11am Monday to Saturday and from 12pm on Sunday.

But licence holder Star Pubs and Bars Ltd hopes to open and serve alcohol from 9am every day.

It said the earlier opening hours are to allow extra flexibility and start serving breakfasts at the pub.

The owner also applied to extend its alcohol serving hours as well as live and recorded music hours until 1am on Fridays and Saturdays.

The late night plans sparked upset from local residents and Rushall-Shelfield ward member, Councillor Lorna Rattigan.

Following the feedback, Star Pubs and Bars Ltd withdrew its proposal to extend live and recorded music hours but it is still proposing to serve alcohol until 1am, closing at 1.30am.

Councillor Lorna Rattigan said: “The requested extended hours on a Friday and Saturday is questionable and of concern.

“Sound carries, especially in the summer months, which residents are currently experiencing at the moment from the rear seating area by the canal.”

Local resident Mr Newell said: “Every weekend the noise from the boathouse is excessive, particularly hot evenings when the windows are open the loud music plays until late into the night.

“Last weekend I had to move into a back bedroom to try and escape the noise, this is unacceptable and extending the hours will exacerbate this situation making it intolerable for local people.”

Another neighbour, Thomas King, said: “The live music currently played at the venue already keeps our children awake on weekends, and we frequently have to deal with the aftermath of intoxicated individuals shouting and fighting in the car park.

“Allowing this extension will only exacerbate the existing problems and further diminish the peace and safety of our community.”

A decision on whether to extend the new hours will be decided by Walsall Council’s licensing and safety committee on July 23, 10.30am.