West Midlands Police have initiated formal proceedings to review the operating licence of a Wolverhampton bar and grill after discovering an unreported late-night brawl through CCTV footage. The incident, which occurred in December last year, has raised significant concerns about the venue's management and adherence to licensing objectives.
Police Raise Serious Concerns Over Management
The police force stated it had uncovered CCTV evidence of a physical altercation involving multiple males both inside The Garden Bar and outside in its car park area. This discovery was made while officers were investigating an unrelated matter, highlighting what authorities describe as a concerning lack of proper reporting procedures at the establishment.
West Midlands Police licensing officers have expressed particular alarm that no emergency call was made to report the incident as it unfolded. The force has formally requested that City of Wolverhampton Council's licensing committee review the venue's operating permissions, citing what they term as "serious concerns regarding the premises licence holder's lack of responsibility."
Specific Licensing Violations Identified
According to official documentation, police believe the incident demonstrates what they describe as "apparent disregard for the licensing objectives, specifically the prevention of crime and disorder and public safety." The unreported disturbance occurred during the venue's permitted operating hours, raising questions about management protocols and staff training.
The Garden Bar, located at the junction of Birmingham New Road and Laburnum Road in the Lanesfield area of Wolverhampton, currently holds a licence granted in January 2025. This authorisation permits the establishment to operate from 7am until 11pm from Monday to Wednesday and Sunday, with extended hours until 1.30am from Thursday to Saturday.
Current Licensing Arrangements Under Scrutiny
The existing licence includes additional provisions for special occasions, allowing the venue to remain open for two extra hours on bank holidays, an additional hour at Easter, and extended opening on Christmas Eve and Boxing Day. The permission also covers the sale of alcohol until thirty minutes before closing time each day.
Furthermore, the licence permits both live and recorded music until 11pm on standard days and until 1am on days with extended opening hours. These permissions will now be subject to thorough examination by the licensing committee as they consider the police's concerns about management practices.
Formal Review Process Initiated
The case has been scheduled for consideration by City of Wolverhampton Council's licensing committee on February 12, where members will examine the evidence presented by West Midlands Police. The committee will assess whether the current licence holder, Jasvir Singh Johal, has demonstrated sufficient responsibility in managing the premises and upholding licensing objectives.
This development follows a pattern of increased scrutiny on licensed premises across the region, with authorities emphasising the importance of proper incident reporting and responsible management. The outcome of the review could potentially result in modifications to the venue's operating conditions or, in more serious scenarios, the revocation of its licence entirely.
The police investigation revealed that the unreported disturbance occurred at approximately 1.20am on December 13 last year, during the venue's permitted operating hours. Officers have emphasised that prompt reporting of such incidents represents a fundamental responsibility for licensed premises operators, particularly those serving alcohol during late-night hours.
