Police and local authorities have formally objected to Liam’s Lounge’s application to extend its operating hours in Oldbury. The Italian restaurant and shisha bar, situated on Causeway Green Road, has requested permission from Sandwell Council to remain open until 2:30am daily, with alcohol service continuing until 2am. On New Year’s Eve, the establishment aims to stay open until 3:30am.
West Midlands Police, together with Sandwell Council’s environmental health department, have expressed significant reservations about these plans, citing the potential for increased noise and disruption to nearby residents. Located in a small row of shops off Wolverhampton Road, Liam’s Lounge sits beneath residential flats and faces other homes, making the extended hours a concern for the local community.
The current licence, granted in March 2024, allows the venue to operate until 12:30am on regular nights and until 2am on New Year’s Eve. However, the proposed change would make the late-night opening permanent.
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Police representatives highlighted that the new hours resemble those of a late-night bar rather than a typical restaurant, which raises questions about managing noise and public disturbance after hours. They noted a history of noise complaints related to Liam’s Lounge, underscoring the risk to neighbors.
Similarly, the council’s environmental health team pointed out four noise complaints already lodged and warned that the extended hours would likely lead to further disturbances from music, patrons, and vehicular noise. The concern is that customers may continue to leave the venue well past the proposed closing time, exacerbating noise issues into the early morning hours.
As a result, authorities remain cautious about approving the application, emphasizing the challenge of balancing business operations with maintaining community peace in a predominantly residential area.