'I think there are deeper issues here': Wolverhampton residents respond over calls to ban 'super strength' beers in alcohol misuse bid
Wolverhampton shoppers have said that "more must be done" to tackle alcohol misuse across the city .
The issue was raised when Lidl, which is soon to open a new supermarket on the site of the former F A Gill abattoir on the corner of Parkfield Road, applied for a drinks licence from Wolverhampton Council.
Council health improvement officer Monique Garikai voiced concerns over the sale of 'super strength' beers, saying that the city already had a high rate of alcohol-related deaths.
The senior public health official called for conditions to be applied to the sale of the 'super-strength' beers, limiting the store to selling the beers in only packs of four or more.
The move was backed by residents, who also raised concerns that an alcohol licence would 'attract beggars', with West Midlands Police also calling for conditions to be placed on the sale of the drinks.
However, Wolverhampton shoppers have said that the move won't tackle the root cause of the issue, and instead may lead to more shop thefts around the borough.
Avtar Sunda and Aryan Ata, who shop in the city regularly, said: "There are a lot of liquor shops around the area, but that isn't really the problem.
"I heard a quote once that 'addiction is motivation'. If someone is addicted to drinking, they will still find a way to get more alcohol, even if it is limited. There is a deeper issue."
Lisa Cooper, who works in the city, said that heavy drinkers in the city are an issue; however, more needs to be done to tackle the root cause of the issue.
She said: "I work in the city, and when I leave at night, there are a few people out who are quite drunk.
"I don't think it will really help. If people want to get more alcohol, then they will find a way. The money could be better spent on help for addiction, I think."
Gary and Michelle Ratcliffe said that the conditions wouldn't help to reduce the level of drinking in the city, suggesting that the move may even cause a spike in crime rates in shops around the borough.
They said: "Drinking in moderation is okay, it's fine with having a few, but addiction, that's the root of it.
"It is the addiction that causes this; it's not really drinking alcohol, it's the addiction to it. I don't think it would solve the issue, but I think it might help."
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