Smethwick pub bid refused over safety fears

A Sandwell pub which had previously been shut down after customers' lives were put at risk due to fire hazards has been refused a licence to reopen.

In June, Gills Bar and Restaurant in Smethwick was forced to shut after firefighters ruled the building was unsafe due to a faulty alarm system and inadequate fire escapes.

Yesterday Mr Ajay Balu applied to Sandwell Council licensing committee for a licence that would allow him to relaunch the Rolfe Street venue. But West Midlands firefighters objected to the plans, saying the building is still failing to comply with basic fire safety rules.