Birmingham store faces tough opposition to 24-hour alcohol bid

A Handsworth off-licence could become a ‘magnet for vulnerable  people’ if granted a 24-hour alcohol licence, a councillor has claimed.

And he’s joing several residents, the police and licensing enforcement in objecting to the application by The Vale Stores in Handsworth, with a hearing due next week (Feb 7).

The shop, located a 43 Church Vale, already has a licence to sell alcohol between the hours of 7am and 11pm, and is looking to extend this at next week’s hearing.

However they face stiff opposition with the police, licensing enforcement, a local councillor and several local residents writing to the council to object to the plans.

“Having these extended opening hours will only add littering of bottles, cans, encourage more street drinking on Church Vale triangle and increase the high level of anti-social behaviour that we are already experiencing in this ward,” writes Councillor Mahmood Hussain (Lab, Birchfield).

“Many properties close to the store are either HMO or supported living and this could become a magnet for vulnerable people due to the long trading hours proposed.

“Please take this into consideration when you are making the decision on this application.”

A local resident added: “We already have a street drinking problem, particularly during the summer months and this will just serve to aggravate the problem.

“Our neighbourhood is already blighted by littering and flytipping, and having cans and bottles readily available may very well end up on the street or in front gardens.

“There are already a number of shops where alcohol can be purchased very close to 43 Church Vale, namely the “post office” on Church Vale and the general store next door.

“This is more than adequate. There is a very high number of very vulnerable people housed in supported ( or not) accommodation and in HMOs on and around Church Vale.

“The availability of alcohol 24/7 may encourage even more anti social behaviour.”

The hearing will take place at 10am next Monday (Feb 7).