Dudley Council has approved a late-night opening licence for Burger Boi, a takeaway located on Birmingham New Road in Coseley, overcoming objections from local councillors.
The establishment applied for permission to operate until midnight from Sunday to Thursday and to remain open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays. Concerns were raised at the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee meeting on 18 August, where all three ward councillors voiced worries about potential noise, antisocial behaviour, and road safety risks associated with these extended hours.
Councillor Peter Drake expressed particular concern, describing a 2am closing time as “a step too far” in an area not noted for nightlife. He highlighted the mixed-use nature of the area, with shops nearby and residential properties within shouting distance. Councillor Drake referenced existing issues in the vicinity, such as police patrols responding to antisocial behaviour, vandalism at a local bus stop including racist graffiti, and reports that an alley behind Burger Boi had been used for defecation and fly-tipping. He argued that late-night opening could exacerbate challenges for residents.
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In response, Burger Boi manager Dinesh Singh explained that around 80% of their business comes through delivery services, with only limited dine-in customers. He noted that no objections had been received from the police, fire service, or environmental health officers and expressed willingness to comply with voluntary conditions should the licence be granted. Mr Singh also dismissed assumptions linking graffiti and vandalism to their patrons, stating there is no evidence supporting such claims and that police had never been called to the premises during their time trading for over a year.
Regarding road safety concerns, Councillor Drake singled out issues with drivers making illegal U-turns on the nearby dual carriageway to access the service road outside Burger Boi. Mr Singh responded by pointing out a legal route for drivers to use and suggested that if there were significant problems, the nearby 24-hour McDonald’s-operating under similar conditions-would have faced restrictions. He stressed that Burger Boi does not receive the same volume of orders as larger chains.
Following the discussions, the Licensing Sub-Committee approved the application subject to the voluntary conditions proposed. The panel warned, however, that if problems arose within six months, the licence could be reviewed again.
Members of the public interested in updates on planning applications, traffic changes, and alcohol licence applications are encouraged to visit the Public Notices Portal for more information.