Objections Emerge Over Morrisons Daily’s Bid for 24-Hour Alcohol License

A proposal from a Wolverhampton retail outlet to offer alcohol around the clock has provoked opposition from local residents, who expressed concerns that this initiative would draw disturbances to their residential area. The new Morrisons Daily store on Stubby Lane in Wednesfield submitted an application to the City of Wolverhampton council, seeking to prolong its permitted operating hours for alcohol sales. However, submissions received by the council ahead of a licensing committee meeting on 19 November indicate opposition to the proposal. Public and environmental health officers additionally noted an insufficiency of detail within the application regarding measures to safeguard individuals from public disturbance and potential disorder. One objection, which was redacted in the licensing report, said: “I’ve lived here all my life and there have been changes relating to drink, drugs and knife crime around the estate. I’m concerned that selling alcohol 24 hours may create even more problems and issues for residents.” Another objector added that it was “not good for the people or the area to have alcohol served 24/7.” The council’s licensing department indicated willingness to engage in discussions concerning the application, yet recommended its rejection. It stated that the suggested operating hours represented a “significant departure” from the current setup. A permit had been granted in October for a Co-op previously located at the premises, allowing operation from 07:00 to 22:30. Additionally, four grievances from local residents were filed with the council in October, alleging that structural modifications to transform the previous supermarket continued until 01:00, and personnel were observed moving metal delivery cages at 04:30. Reports also indicated that residents endured late-night shouting and anti-social conduct originating from patrons attempting to attract staff attention for alcohol purchases. Information for this report was compiled by the Local Democracy Reporting Service, an entity that reports on local government bodies and other public sector entities. BBC Wolverhampton & Black Country can be followed on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X, and Instagram. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read about our approach to external linking.