Plans to extend the operating hours of Burger Boi, a takeaway restaurant on Birmingham New Road in Coseley, have faced objection from local councillors, even though the premises is situated adjacent to a 24-hour McDonald’s.
The operators, Gastro Logistics Ltd, have applied to Dudley Council seeking permission to remain open until 2am on Fridays and Saturdays, and until midnight from Sunday to Thursday. The application is scheduled for review by the council’s Licensing Sub-Committee on 18 August.
According to the application, which describes Burger Boi as a takeaway restaurant that opened earlier this year next to a Subway and a 24-hour McDonald’s with a drive-through, there is notable demand within the local community for late-night food services. Gastro Logistics Ltd emphasised that no alcohol will be sold, noting the serving of halal meat, and stated their expectation of no antisocial behaviour arising from the extended hours.
However, all three ward councillors for the area have expressed concerns about the impact of late-night opening on nearby residents. Councillor Peter Drake highlighted the mainly residential and mixed-use nature of the area, suggesting that extended hours could encourage the location to become a late-night gathering spot prone to trouble. He cited recent incidents, including antisocial behaviour, break-ins, and vandalism at a vacant property nearby, and warned that these issues might intensify.
Councillor Sat Sherwani voiced worries over noise disturbances related to customer activity during late hours, such as vehicular movements, idling engines, conversations outside the premises, and car doors closing, potentially affecting residents during the early morning.
Councillor Sue Ridney referenced ongoing complaints concerning noise and disturbance following the 24-hour operation of the neighbouring McDonald’s, expressing reluctance to approve additional late-night openings that could exacerbate the situation.
Gastro Logistics Ltd assured the council that Burger Boi is equipped with extensive CCTV coverage, limits customer numbers inside the premises to ten at any time, and prohibits the use of drugs and alcohol on site.
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