A wine bar owned by a former Wolverhampton Wanderers footballer is at risk of having its licence completely revoked after being caught hosting yet more illegal late-night lock-ins, despite a previous suspension.
History of Breaches and a Suspended Licence
Chill Wine Bar on Tettenhall High Street will have its premises licence reviewed by City of Wolverhampton Council following fresh complaints about noise and disturbance. This comes after the venue had its licence suspended in 2024 for serving drinks after hours on multiple occasions, having ignored prior council warnings.
Earlier in December 2025, the council rejected an application from owner and ex-Wolves defender Mo Camara to extend his opening hours. The licensing committee, alongside environmental health officers and West Midlands Police, objected over fears it would worsen existing problems with late-night noise.
Evidence of 'Blatant Disregard' for Licensing Rules
An investigation by the council into neighbour complaints uncovered CCTV footage showing the bar open and serving alcohol well past its permitted hours on two nights in September 2025. The footage reportedly showed door staff serving drinks and loud music playing after the designated midnight cut-off.
The council's licensing officer has urged the committee to revoke the licence, citing a "blatant disregard" for its conditions. West Midlands Police have also supported a full review.
Authorities further complained that Mr Camara failed to provide complete CCTV footage when requested, with some videos missing and others containing breaks in recording. Council staff themselves witnessed loud music and the venue operating late during a September visit, with subsequent CCTV confirming the bar was open until nearly 1.20am.
Recent Incidents and Owner's Plea
The problems have continued. On the weekend of December 12 and 13, 2025, a large crowd gathered outside the venue and had to be dispersed by police. Mr Camara told environmental health officers that a crowd from out of the area became "uncontrollable" after being asked to leave, leading to him being "subjected to violence and aggression." The incident resulted in the wine bar's windows being smashed.
At a hearing on December 9, 2025, Mr Camara pleaded for an extra half-hour of opening time to help his business survive post-pandemic financial struggles. "I'm struggling to pay my bills," he said. "People think that because I'm an ex-footballer [I've got lots of money]... I'm just asking for an extra half an hour." He asserted, "I'm not a bad person... I'm no gangster."
However, the council stated that the issues which prompted the 18-month-old suspension had already repeated themselves, and extending hours would "only exacerbate them further." A local resident's objection cited a "history of disregard for local residents from people visiting the bar."
The bar, which opened in 2017, had its licence suspended for a month in July 2024 after three lock-ins. Mr Camara was removed as the designated supervisor but remained the licence holder. The council's licensing manager criticised his failure to comply, stating, "If he is not capable of understanding 'don't open past these hours' then I don't know what hope we have." The final decision will be made at a hearing in January.
