Willenhall convenience store granted alcohol licence after one objection
A Willenhall convenience store has been granted permission to sell booze, 11am to 11pm, seven days a week.
The applicant said his business on Stafford Street has struggled without an alcohol licence, with some customers leaving his shop after realising no booze could be bought.
Despite being late to the licence hearing on January 7, director of KSMK Group Ltd Samira Rukmal Kahandagamage convinced Walsall Council’s licensing committee that he would adhere to the licensing conditions, and even employ door staff as necessary during busy periods.
West Midlands Police had agreed with Kahandagamage on several conditions including that the shop must not stock or sell beers or ciders over 6.5 per cent, except for craft beers, the premises must not sell single cans or bottles of beers or ciders, and the premises must not have more than 25 per cent of overall display dedicated to alcohol.
One objection was received against the application from an individual who said street drinking is already a problem on Stafford Street, leading to antisocial behaviour and leaving visitors to the town feeling intimidated.
The objector also said that children as young as 13-year-olds have been seen to be consuming alcohol on the streets.
