Police Raise 'Obvious Concern' Over Late-Night Restaurant Plan
Plans to extend the opening hours of an Italian restaurant and shisha lounge in Oldbury until 2.30am are facing significant opposition from both the police and the local council's environmental health team. Liam's Lounge on Causeway Green Road has applied to Sandwell Council for permission to stay open until the early hours every day of the week, a move that has sparked fears of increased disruption for people living nearby.
Details of the Licence Application
The application seeks to permanently extend the venue's operating hours to 2.30am daily, with alcohol service proposed until 2am. On New Year's Eve, the premises hopes to remain open until 3.30am. This is a substantial increase from the current licence, which was only granted in March 2024 and permits the restaurant and shisha bar to operate until 12.30am, with a 2am finish on New Year's Eve.
In its formal objection, West Midlands Police highlighted that the premises is situated in a small row of shops in a primarily residential area, with flats above the businesses and homes directly opposite. The force stated that the applied-for hours are exceptionally late for this locality and expressed concern about the impact on residents.
Formal Objections from Authorities
The police objection was clear, stating, "A premises open until the early hours of the morning in a mainly residential area is an obvious concern." They also questioned the nature of the business, suggesting that the late hours and activities applied for "appear to be more in line with a late night bar as opposed to a restaurant with an ancillary bar."
Adding weight to the police's concerns, Sandwell Council’s environmental health department has also objected, referencing four existing noise complaints made against Liam's Lounge. Their objection warned that extending the hours is "very likely to further increase disturbance" from music, customers, and vehicle noise, with patrons potentially not leaving the area until around 2:30am.
The application will now be considered by Sandwell Council's licensing committee, which must balance the business's ambitions against the welfare and peace of the local community.
