Wolverhampton garage booze plan sparks controversy

But after discussions with city council licensing officers, the owners of Blakenhall Service Station, Dudley Road, have agreed in principle that they could consider selling booze for fewer hours, from 8am–11pm, Monday to Sunday.

Owners Online Assistance Ltd had originally asked to sell booze 24 hours a day from Monday to Sunday.

Councillors sitting on Wolverhampton's City Council's licensing sub-committee will however have to make a final decision on the original application next Friday.

A variety of objections have already been made from parties including West Midlands Police, Pat McFadden MP for Wolverhampton South East and public health bosses. Objectors have rejected the original idea of round-the-clock sales, but they have also said the location of the station should preclude it from selling booze.

They say the station is too close to Phoenix Park, where powers for police to seize booze have been put in place to cut down anti-social behaviour problems there previously. Mr McFadden also said there were already too many establishments selling alcohol on Dudley Road and there was 'no need for another'.

Pc Natalie Holt, licensing officer based at Wolverhampton Police Station, said "The application is poor and without sufficient measures to promote the licensing objectives."

Sgt Jon Yeomans, neighbourhood sergeant for Blakenhall the location was too close to the mosque in Wanderers Avenue and chiefs needed to consider religious sensitivities.