Plans to extend the hours for alcohol sales at Bilston Market have been scaled back following concerns from local councillors about potential increases in crime and anti-social behaviour in the town centre.
City of Wolverhampton Council had applied to vary the market’s licence to permit the sale of alcohol from 8am until 11pm every day, as part of updates following the market’s recent £9 million redevelopment.
However, Bilston councillors Linda Leach and Leigh New objected to the early start and late finishing hours, warning that the extended times could contribute to issues across Bilston town centre.
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At a licensing committee hearing on 28 September, the council agreed to amend the licence but reduced the permitted alcohol sale times to between 10am and 10pm. The restrictions will apply specifically to events held in the market’s new events space.
Joanne Till, markets manager for City of Wolverhampton Council, explained that the new events area will facilitate activities previously not possible due to limited space. She stated during the hearing that the conditions included in the licence application were more robust than prior arrangements and designed to ensure events met high standards without negatively impacting neighbouring areas.
Councillor Leach, despite not attending the hearing, had previously raised concerns that extended alcohol sales could increase anti-social behaviour, public nuisance, and alcohol-related disorder, particularly given that Bilston market serves a diverse community including families, older residents, and vulnerable individuals. She urged the licensing committee to carefully consider whether permitting sales until 11pm was suitable.
Councillor Leigh New, a member of the licensing committee who sent apologies, shared similar worries about the potential for increased crime, disorder, and nuisance linked to prolonged alcohol availability.
Bilston town centre, encompassing High Street, Church Street, and the nearby Morrisons supermarket, is designated a ‘‘cumulative impact zone’’ due to elevated rates of crime and disorder and a dense concentration of pubs, clubs, late-night venues, and takeaways. This status imposes stricter conditions on new licence applications, with a general presumption against approval unless applicants can demonstrate they will not exacerbate existing problems.
Previously, the council has declined licensing applications in both Bilston and Wolverhampton city centre within these zones due to similar concerns around alcohol sales and their potential impact on community safety and public order.