It has been a particularly eventful year for Sandwell Council's licensing committee, the body tasked with overseeing alcohol and late-night licences across the borough. The panel, responsible for granting, renewing, and reviewing nearly a thousand premises licences, has dealt with a stark catalogue of incidents involving serious crime, public disorder, and the sale of illicit goods.
A String of Licence Revocations and Reviews
The past twelve months have seen several establishments forced to close or face severe sanctions after breaking strict licensing rules. Councillors have heard evidence detailing late-night lock-ins, violent brawls, missing CCTV footage, and the sale of counterfeit items, illegal tobacco, and alcohol to minors.
The Prince of Wales on West Bromwich High Street had its licence revoked following a "horrific" incident in November involving door staff, an offensive weapon, and patrons. The committee concluded that "serious crime and disorder" had occurred. Police revealed one bouncer lacked a valid Security Industry Authority licence and two bar staff were illegal workers.
John's Booze in Jowetts Lane, West Bromwich, also lost its licence after trading standards searches uncovered hundreds of wrongly labelled cigarettes, illicit erectile dysfunction tablets, banned chewing tobacco, and oversized illegal vapes. West Midlands Police said the shop continued selling banned items despite warnings and was "clearly making a profit" from the enterprise.
Violence and Community Nuisance Lead to Action
Other venues faced reviews following violence and significant disturbance to local residents. The Old Crown, now called Paradise Bar, on Sandwell Road was closed for a month after a man was knocked unconscious in a fight that broke out around 2.55am – nearly 90 minutes after the pub should have shut. Police investigated a grievous bodily harm offence.
The Railway Inn on Harwood Street had its late-night licence suspended after police raised concerns staff failed to notify emergency services about a stabbing involving patrons. The licence suspension was later lifted following an agreement between the police and the owners. Neighbours had complained about events with loud reggae music, cars blocking streets, fighting, littering, and the strong smell of cannabis preventing them from using their gardens.
Illegal Sales and a Shocking Lack of Compliance
Perhaps one of the most alarming cases involved Hill Top Supermarket in West Bromwich. The shop's licence was revoked after a cache of fake and illegal goods was discovered, including illicit tobacco, alcohol, prescription drugs, and counterfeit mobile phones. In a separate undercover operation by trading standards, a 15-year-old was sold a pack of knives without challenge.
West Midlands Police stated they were "horrified" by the owner's lack of understanding of basic laws and regulations. This case underscored the committee's crucial role in protecting public safety, particularly concerning young people.
The series of hearings throughout the year highlights the ongoing challenges faced by licensing authorities in maintaining safety and order, while tackling the persistent illegal trade in counterfeit and dangerous goods within Sandwell's communities.
