Wolverhampton Venue Faces Licence Review After Police Raise Serious Concerns
A private hire venue in Wolverhampton is set to have its licence reviewed following serious concerns raised by West Midlands Police. Vaal & Vaal, located on Raglan Street in Chapel Ash, will undergo a City of Wolverhampton licensing hearing after being caught selling alcohol after hours and failing to report a violent incident.
Police Report Details Multiple Violations
West Midlands Police have submitted a report highlighting several breaches at Vaal & Vaal. The venue, which holds a licence to serve alcohol until midnight (and 1am on Bank Holidays), hosted a late-night party on January 10 without obtaining the required Temporary Event Notice (TEN). CCTV footage revealed that alcohol was served until 1:46am, nearly two hours beyond the permitted time.
More alarmingly, police documented that a fight occurred outside the venue around 2am on January 10, leaving a man unconscious. Security staff at Vaal & Vaal failed to intervene, assist the injured person, or contact emergency services. The venue only became aware of the incident after being contacted by the council and reviewing CCTV footage.
Additional Incidents and Management Failures
The police report also mentions an earlier incident where a man appeared unconscious outside the venue after another altercation. This was neither reported to police nor mentioned to officers who responded to a later 999 call about a separate fight involving six men, initially reported to involve "pocketknives," though no weapons were later confirmed.
During meetings with authorities, the premise licence holder attributed the after-hours alcohol sales to an "admin error" and showed "little understanding or acknowledgment for the seriousness of the incidents." West Midlands Police stated that staff had "failed to uphold the licensing objectives" by not calling police and that management demonstrated a concerning lack of oversight.
Licensing and Safety Issues
West Midlands Police have requested amendments to the venue's licence, and the designated premises supervisor, Harpreet Kaur Gill, has been removed. The police expressed concern that the venue, originally licensed as a hairdressing salon, is now operating as an event space without notifying authorities of this change. They noted that current licence conditions are unsuitable and unenforceable for its new use.
Adding to the safety concerns, West Midlands Fire Service reported that Vaal & Vaal lacks a suitable fire risk assessment and certificates for fire alarms and emergency lighting. Decorations were found not to be fire-resistant, and the venue needs to install permanent lights above fire exits.
Upcoming Decision
The City of Wolverhampton Council's licensing committee is scheduled to meet on March 17 to review the case and make a final decision regarding Vaal & Vaal's licence. The outcome will determine whether the venue can continue operating under its current conditions or face restrictions or revocation.
