A peri-peri takeaway restaurant in Walsall has been granted permission to open until 3am every night, despite an objection from a local community group. Merigo, located on West Bromwich Street in Caldmore, had previously been operating without a late-night refreshment licence.
Council Decision
Walsall Council’s licensing officers visited the branch, owned by MG Walsall Ltd, where they were informed that the management was unaware a licence was required. Director Adrian Tworkowski subsequently submitted an application for the necessary permit.
The application faced opposition from the Palfrey and Caldmore Neighbourhood Watch and Residents Group, whose vice chairman, Mr Mohamed, described the proposed hours as 'wholly inappropriate'. He raised concerns about late-night noise, nuisance customers, litter, odour, and traffic.
Objection Dismissed
However, during the licensing and safety committee meeting on Thursday, June 4, members noted that when further information or evidence was requested from the objector, none was provided. Mr Mohamed did not attend the meeting, leading councillors to state they could place 'very little weight' on the objection.
As a result, the committee decided to grant the application with several conditions. One key condition requires the takeaway to conduct a litter pick twice daily—once at opening and once at closing time.
The decision allows Merigo to operate until 3am, seven days a week, providing late-night food options in the area while addressing some of the concerns raised by residents.
