Police Object to West Bromwich Pub Reopening After Violent Baton Attack
West Midlands Police has raised strong objections to plans for a West Bromwich pub to reopen after being stripped of its licence last year following a violent baton attack. The Prince of Wales on High Street had its licence revoked by Sandwell Council in December after what authorities described as a "horrific" incident involving unlicensed door staff and patrons.
Violent Incident Leads to Licence Revocation
The pub's 69-year-old owner, Rajinder Singh, who had operated the establishment for more than two decades, lost his licence after the council's licensing committee determined that "serious crime and disorder" had occurred on the premises. The violent incident took place in November last year when door staff allegedly used excessive force against customers, with one bouncer reportedly using a police-style baton passed to him by bar staff.
Police reported that three people were bleeding from the head after the altercation, which began inside the pub before spilling out onto the street. Officers investigating the incident faced difficulties obtaining information from Mr. Singh and his staff, taking approximately 40 minutes to understand what had transpired.
Police Concerns Over Quick Reopening Attempt
An application for a new licence to reopen the pub has been submitted by Balbinder Singh, prompting objections from both West Midlands Police and West Midlands Fire Service. Police expressed particular concern about the "quick turnaround" following the licence revocation and the intention to operate the business in a similar manner as before.
"Footage of the incident and body cam footage from officers attending showed patrons watching the incident without attempting to contact police or ambulance services," stated police representatives. "Customers carried on as normal, clearly unfazed that a weapon had been used on customers both inside and outside the premises."
Multiple Safety Violations Uncovered
West Midlands Police revealed that one of the pub's bouncers involved in the violent disorder did not hold a valid Security Industry Authority (SIA) licence, while two bar staff lacked proper right-to-work documentation in the UK. The force described the violent disorder as a "preventable situation" that reflected broader concerns about the establishment's operations.
West Midlands Fire Service also objected to the new licence application, citing several safety issues including defective emergency lighting, no evidence of tested or maintained fire detection systems, and the absence of a proper fire risk assessment for the premises.
Defense Arguments and Community Support
Duncan Craig, representing Mr. Singh, acknowledged that CCTV footage of the attack made for "unpleasant viewing" but argued that the pub owner had been "misled" by casual staff regarding their right to work and the unauthorised doorman who had worked at the pub for some time. Mr. Craig attributed the violence to Mr. Singh's "old fashioned and outdated" management methods and his declining health.
Anil Grover and Gurdev Rai, who had been involved in the pub's operations, admitted to the hearing that they had not properly checked staff paperwork or identification themselves. Despite these admissions, West Bromwich Business Improvement District (BID) supported Mr. Singh, describing the Prince of Wales as a "responsible pub" that had continued to promote licensing objectives and remained a "big part of the West Bromwich community."
Proposed Operating Hours and Conditions
The new licence application seeks permission to open from 9am to 3am daily, with alcohol sales until 2:30am. The licence would also include permission to play live and recorded music until the same time. However, authorities remain concerned that the premises would attract the same crowd and operate under a similar business model as before the violent incident.
Police evidence presented at the hearing suggested a pattern of fights and crimes linked to the pub's operation, with previous incidents of concern documented. The licensing committee must now weigh these serious safety concerns against arguments for the pub's community value as they consider the new application.
