Concerns over fire safety have led to a fresh delay in the application for a late-night alcohol licence at a private hire venue in Smethwick.
West Midlands Fire Service objected to the licence request submitted by Violet Salon Events for the Cornwall Road venue, citing several serious fire safety shortcomings. Despite the application being lodged over six months ago, a final decision has yet to be reached. On Tuesday, September 22, Sandwell Council’s licensing committee agreed to postpone the hearing once again.
The request to adjourn the hearing came from the applicant, Violet Events Ltd, registered under Cristiano Cavali Miclescu since last November. The next scheduled hearing date is set for October 7.
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West Midlands Fire Service highlighted that the venue fails to meet essential fire safety standards, including fire alarms and emergency lighting. In addition, the site’s building usage currently holds permission for factory and office purposes only. An official change of use application for operating as a private hire venue had not been submitted, according to council records.
Neil Aston-Baugh, a safety officer from the fire service, told the licensing committee, “Our records show the premises have not undergone the necessary building regulations or planning approval for a change of use. This includes crucial aspects such as appropriate external staircases, fire separation between units, and structural safety like steelwork and flooring capable of supporting anticipated occupant loads.”
He added, “These matters represent significant public safety risks which should be addressed through the licensing process.”
A site visit in April revealed further issues, including a problematic rear fire escape that leads to a courtyard only accessible through another premises’ roller shutter, which is lowered at night. This design presents the risk of people becoming trapped in the event of a fire.
The fire service also noted the venue could easily hold several hundred people, but the only fire exit courtyard is suitable for approximately 60 individuals. Furthermore, the signage and emergency lighting were deemed inadequate, and numerous fire risk assessment recommendations remain unaddressed.
The licence application seeks approval to sell alcohol and late-night refreshments from 6pm until midnight Sunday through Thursday, extending to 4am on Fridays and Saturdays. It also requests permission to provide live and recorded music during these hours. Operating hours would extend to 12.30am on weeknights and 4.30am on weekends if approved.