The past year has been a notably turbulent period for Wolverhampton’s licensing committee, the authority tasked with overseeing alcohol and late-night venue applications, as well as monitoring the city’s nearly one thousand licenses. This committee plays a crucial role in safeguarding public safety, preventing crime, and reducing disorder and nuisance related to licensed premises.
Throughout the year, numerous pubs, bars, clubs, and off-licenses faced closures due to breaches of licensing regulations. Councillors reviewed incidents involving late-night lock-ins, violent altercations, missing or tampered CCTV footage, counterfeit products, illegal workers, illicit vaping devices, and even sales of alcohol to minors.
Triangle Bar and Grill, Bradley
Following two December incidents—one an alleged kidnapping and another a bar fight resulting in a shattered glass entrance—the Bank Street Triangle Bar and Grill lost its licence. Police confirmed the incidents after a tip-off, and council inspection revealed failures in meeting safety standards and the employment of an illegal worker in 2023. Licensing chair Zee Russell remarked it was “only by the grace of God” that no serious injuries occurred.
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Rocket Pools Inn, Bradley
The Rocket Pools Inn was stripped of its licence after CCTV footage of a late-night lock-in surfaced, only for the owners to later claim the footage had been stolen during a break-in shortly after the council requested it. The pub faced accusations of repeatedly breaching licence conditions by serving alcohol without a nominated supervisor and failing to maintain CCTV evidence.
Wood End Wines, Wednesfield
An undercover operation in November exposed Wood End Wines for selling alcohol to a 14-year-old, resulting in a 31-day licence suspension. Wolverhampton Trading Standards confirmed the minor purchased alcohol without challenge. The council expressed “serious concerns” that licence holder Lavinder Pal Banga neglected licensing responsibilities, endangering public safety.
De Fusion, Wolverhampton City Centre
On April 30, the De Fusion Bar and Restaurant’s licence was suspended for two weeks due to multiple violations, including serving alcohol past permitted hours and lacking required door staff before a Wolverhampton Wanderers match. Investigations also found the venue served drinks in glass rather than mandated plastic glasses. Owner Ikenna Orajaka cited financial struggles and low customer turnout for the lapses.
Bobbies News and Off Licence, Heath Town
Stripped of its licence, this shop faced charges of selling illegal cigarettes, vapes, and alcohol without authorization. Despite repeated warnings, the owner continued operations illicitly. The council dismissed the owner’s claim that duty-free cigarettes found on display were for personal use as an “absurd” defence.
New Gate Inn, Bilston
Licence suspension for a month was imposed following a violent assault outside the pub that left a man hospitalized with severe head injuries. The licence holder Raj Kumar Jassal was criticized for 17 years of failing to notify the council about staff changes, with poor pub management linked to the brawl.
Chill Wine Bar, Tettenhall
The licence application to extend operating hours was denied amid concerns over late-night noise. The wine bar faced suspension in 2024 due to repeated late-night lock-ins and ongoing investigations into noise complaints. CCTV footage revealed the venue serving alcohol and playing loud music past permitted hours on consecutive nights in September.
The Pendulum, Pendeford
After a licence revocation in 2022 based on police allegations of criminal activity and human trafficking, the pub in Blaydon Road was granted a new alcohol licence in August under new ownership by Tajinder Singh. The pub had also violated Covid-19 lockdown restrictions in 2020. Local residents had objected to extended weekend hours due to long-standing issues with noise and disorder, with some even calling for demolition.
Overall, Wolverhampton’s licensing committee has faced a challenging year balancing business interests with community safety, enforcing regulations amid a backdrop of complex social issues and public concerns.