Sandwell Council has given the green light to a new late-night off-licence in Bearwood, a decision made despite strong objections from local residents who argue the area is already saturated with similar establishments.
Resident Objections and Safety Concerns
The licensing committee approved plans for the Continental Market shop on Bearwood Road in Smethwick to sell alcohol during a hearing held on Tuesday, November 25. This decision followed an earlier adjournment in September due to a discrepancy with the shop's layout plans.
Local residents voiced significant concerns during the process, with one objector stating that smashed glass bottles, drug paraphernalia and human waste were creating a "health and safety risk" on Bearwood Road. Another objection read: "The high street has more than its fair share of establishments selling alcoholic beverages and food. We do not require any more."
The Saturation Argument
Opponents highlighted that the new shop, located in the former Twisty Pretzel bakery premises, would open next door to another off-licence, JM Shop, which only opened last year. One objector stated there was "no demonstrable need" for another alcohol retailer in the area.
A resident from nearby Wattis Road expressed being "increasingly concerned" by the proliferation of late-night shops, specifically naming four existing establishments: Quincy's Market, The Bob Shop, JM Shop and Vape, and Eagles Booze.
The objection continued: "The cumulative impact of these shops has coincided with a noticeable increase in antisocial behaviour, including loitering, disturbances during late hours, and suspicious activity involving vehicles parked outside these premises."
Background and Approval
The application was submitted by Ali Ashorbig, who requested the September meeting be postponed to provide correct documentation to the council. The licensing committee ultimately granted his request before approving the application.
The premises previously housed Twisty Pretzel bakery, whose former owner Camelia Gonciulea faced significant difficulties in 2024 when criminals illegally connected a cannabis farm to the bakery's mains, resulting in her being wrongly pursued for a £24,000 electricity bill.
Despite the strong resident opposition focusing on the concentration of similar businesses and associated antisocial behaviour, Sandwell Council's licensing committee determined the application met the necessary criteria for approval.
