Former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Mo Camara faces an anxious five-day wait to discover the fate of his wine bar's alcohol licence, with the future of the business now in serious doubt.
Licence Review Follows Repeated Breaches
City of Wolverhampton Council's licensing committee reviewed the licence for Chill Wine Bar on Tettenhall High Street after it was found operating late-night lock-ins in September 2026. This occurred nearly 18 months after its licence was initially suspended for serving alcohol illegally after hours.
Despite a hearing on January 6, 2026, the committee deferred its decision, promising to inform Mr Camara within five working days. The council's licensing officer had urged the committee to revoke the licence, citing a "blatant disregard" for licensing rules.
A Business Under Pressure
During the tense hearing, Mr Camara revealed he is now looking to sell the business, which opened in 2017. "Just give me a chance to sell my business because I feel like I can't do it any more," he pleaded with councillors. "I can't make you guys happy, I can't make anyone happy with this business."
He described a "tough time" since the Covid-19 pandemic, struggling with rising costs. "People think that because I'm an ex-footballer [I've got lots of money]. I have to pay my staff, council tax is going up, business rates are going up and I'm struggling to keep a hold of my business," he explained.
History of Problems and Neighbour Complaints
The council's case centred on CCTV evidence from September showing the bar open and serving at 1.20am, despite a 12.30am agreed closing time. Environmental health officers stated music was so loud neighbours could "sing along to the lyrics," preventing sleep.
This was not an isolated incident. The bar had its licence suspended in 2024 for after-hours serving and was suspended again for a month in July 2025 for allowing three lock-ins. Mr Camara was also removed as the premises supervisor after breaches in February and March 2025.
Objections from Tettenhall residents cited a "history of disregard for local residents from people visiting the bar." In a separate incident in December 2025, after the council rejected a plea to extend hours, a large group became "uncontrollable" when asked to leave, resulting in a smashed window and police attendance.
Defence and Final Decision Pending
Representing Mr Camara, Duncan Craig argued the council's case was "not sufficient grounds to take somebody's business away." He did not dispute the September lock-ins but said his client had "pulled his socks up" and complaints had come from only two homes.
The council countered that the issues leading to the initial suspension 18 months prior had been repeated, and extending hours would "only exacerbate them further." With Mr Camara now seeking an exit via a sale, the committee's imminent decision will determine whether he gets that chance or faces immediate revocation.
