City of Wolverhampton Council’s licensing committee has approved an alcohol licence for the new Mesha Essentials Convenience Store on Rooker Avenue, despite objections from local residents who deemed the shop “unnecessary” and “incompatible” with the neighbourhood.
The licence, granted at a hearing on Wednesday, November 19, permits the store to operate from 6am to 11pm Monday through Saturday, with reduced hours until 9pm on Sundays. This decision followed concerns raised by neighbours citing potential issues such as increased anti-social behaviour, littering, noise, public drinking, loitering, and additional traffic in the family-oriented area.
West Midlands Police initially opposed the application, stating that the applicant, Mrs. Chrishanthan, had not provided sufficient detail or conditions to ensure key licensing objectives like preventing crime and protecting children were met. The police also critiqued the proposed long opening hours without supporting measures.
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Alongside objections from the council’s public health and environmental health departments, these concerns led to negotiations between the authorities and Mrs. Chrishanthan. An agreement was reached that addressed several issues, making it possible to grant the licence without further delay. However, the licensing hearing proceeded after public objections were maintained.
The objecting residents, representing those living on Rooker Street, expressed deep unease over the late operating hours and their belief that the shop was not needed. They feared that the new convenience store would exacerbate littering, vandalism, petty crime, noise disturbances, and encourage public drinking and loitering in a residential community.
At the hearing, the committee expressed disappointment that none of the objectors appeared to present their stance in person and noted that many of the concerns seemed speculative and lacked substantive evidence.
Mrs. Chrishanthan defended the proposed operation, highlighting measures such as following the Challenge 25 policy to prevent alcohol sales to underage or intoxicated individuals. She also cited her experience managing similar issues while working at a petrol station opposite a pub, and from running another shop in Dudley, as evidence of her capability to reduce public nuisance.
She further justified the extended hours by explaining that they serve customers who work irregular shifts and need access to essential goods outside typical business hours.