'It could create a hang-out for all sorts of troublemakers': Fears as Burger Boi seeks to open to 2am

A Black Country burger bar is seeking permission to open until 2am at weekends - sparking fears that it will lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.

Burger Boi, in a row of shops along Birmingham New Road, Coseley, has applied to Dudley Council for a licence to open until midnight on weekdays, and 2am at weekends.

Currently the business closes at 10pm on weekdays and at midnight Friday and Saturday.

But the ward’s three borough councillors have all objected to the plan, voicing concerns it will add to problems in an area already suffering from problems with noise and anti-social behaviour.

Councillor Peter Drake said he feared it may attract “criminal elements” to the area, citing similar problems with a nearby McDonalds.

“The 24/7 trading at nearby McDonald’s has seen alleged drug dealing take place more often in its car park, and the gathering of large numbers of youths,” he said.

“Late-night hours at Burger Boi would encourage this, and establish this section of the Birmingham New Road as a large-scale hang-out for all sorts of troublemakers.

“There has been anti-social behaviour in the area recently, including break-ins and vandalism at a nearby empty house in Ivyhouse Lane. I fear this would continue or worsen, and pose a heightened risk.”

Councillor Drake also voiced concerns about the safety of children, saying it might encourage them to stay out later, exposing them to criminal elements, and might also pose a road safety threat.

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Councillor Sat Sherwani also voiced concerns about opening hours, saying it was close to people’s homes.

“Residents are entitled to enjoy their homes without unreasonable disturbance during late-evening and early-morning hours,” he said.

“I am concerned that customers arriving and leaving the premises late at night, vehicle movements, engines idling, conversations outside the premises and car doors closing could result in noise and disturbance that would adversely affect nearby residents, particularly during the early hours of the morning.”

He also voiced concerns about the potential for anti-social behaviour at times when fewer people were present, and said it may disrupt children’s sleep.

Councillor Sue Ridney said she had received numerous complaints since McDonald’s was given a 24-hour licence, and did not wish to add to the problems by adding another late-night venue.

Sarina Suglani, director of Gastro Logistics, the company which operates the takeaway, said she did not anticipate any anti-social behaviour as the business did not sell alcoholic drinks and specialised in halal meat.

She said the business had CCTV and a strict policy on dealing with customers who appeared to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs. She said the shop had a maximum capacity of 10 customers, and said they tended to leave the premises quickly.

The application will now be considered by Dudley Council’s licensing sub-committee.