Plan for off-licence in ‘very seedy’ area of Walsall town centre refused
Walsall Council has refused permission for an off-licence to open in a ‘seedy’ area of the town centre.
Owner Okbu Store Ltd had hoped to open the convenience shop at 15 Station Street between the hours of 6am until 2am, Monday to Sunday.
Following feedback from West Midlands Police and the council's public health team the owner agreed to reduce the proposed operating hours to 6am until 10pm, Monday to Sunday.
But the reduced hours weren’t enough to convince the members of the licensing and safety committee making the final decision on Thursday (July 24).
Speaking against the plans was Councillor Eileen Russell who represents the St Matthews ward.
She spoke about the high levels of crime and public nuisance. She said: “Late-night availability adds pressure on local patrols and increases public nuisance.
“You’ve gone from having an area where there were public houses, unusual shops and creative opportunities, to a very seedy area of town.
“We have a duty to protect this area and not enable conditions that worsen the situation.”
Having heard all representations the committee decided to refuse the application.
Members had no confidence the applicant could uphold the licensing objectives, felt the applicant had done little research into the area’s high levels of crime and disorder, and felt the potential benefits of the shop did not outweigh the risks.
