West Midlands Police have called for a review of the licence held by The Garden Bar in Lanesfield, Wolverhampton, following an unreported late-night brawl in December last year. Jasvir Singh Johal, the licence holder of the Indian bar and grill, is being scrutinised for failing to report the violent incident to authorities.
Police uncovered CCTV footage of the altercation during an unrelated investigation, revealing multiple physical confrontations between several males both inside the venue and in the adjoining car park. According to a City of Wolverhampton Council licensing report, the footage clearly shows the disorder escalating without any intervention or alert to the police by the licence holder.
The force expressed serious concerns over Johal’s apparent lack of responsibility and disregard for key licensing objectives, particularly those concerning the prevention of crime and disorder and ensuring public safety. Notably, no emergency calls were made during or after the incident, leading the police to urge the council to reconsider the establishment’s licence.
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The Garden Bar, positioned at the corner of Birmingham New Road and Laburnum Road, now faces a hearing at the City of Wolverhampton Council’s licensing committee scheduled for February 12.
The premises licence, granted in January 2025, permits operating hours from 7am to 11pm on Monday to Wednesday and Sunday, and extends to 1.30am on Thursday to Saturday. Additional allowances include extra hours on bank holidays and special festive days. Alcohol sales are permitted up to 30 minutes before closing, while live and recorded music can be played until 11pm or 1am, depending on the day.
This incident has placed the venue’s operation under scrutiny, highlighting the critical importance of timely reporting and responsibility in maintaining public safety and compliance with licensing regulations.