Decision over Wolverhampton pub licence adjourned

Police say the former Harp Inn, in Walsall Street, Eastfield, was the site of repeated criminal activity in recent years and had been forced to close several times.

A bid for a previous premises licence was withdrawn two months ago before the latest application was submitted in January.

Residents living on the local East Park have been campaigning against the reopening for months, citing incidents of loud late night music, fighting and cars racing on the estate’s streets in the early hours of the morning as reasons.

However, owner of The Harp, Orville Hines, said this week that he had great plans to make the venue a proper asset for the area.

“I have a lot of positive ideas and I just want people to give me the chance to show what I can do here,” he said.

Solicitor Mr Heath Thomas, speaking on behalf of Mr Hines, said: “Following a consultation, we received four responses from West Midlands Police, the Fire Service, Environmental Health and the Licensing Committee.

“Mr Hines has submitted a full witness statement about the premises which has been accepted and there are no technical issues here. I am seeking a short adjournment just so we can properly liaise with West Midlands Police in terms of new information that has been made available.”

Sergeant Steph Reynolds, from Wolverhampton Police, added: “Unfortunately we have had some late correspondence between us and there is new supporting information that needs to be examined before we can proceed fairly.

“So therefore we are both in agreement that a short adjournment would be appropriate in order for us to look at the applicant’s statement and any new information that has come to light.”

The pub had been forced to close down several times in recent years following incidents of violence and nuisance behaviour. It previously reopened under the name ‘The Mississauga’ before finally closing again.

City Environment Director Ross Cook told committee members: “This latest application was originally received in January and is primarily in respect of the sale of alcohol on the premises – also late night refreshments and the playing of recorded music in the pub.”

The council’s Licensing Sub-Committee agreed to adjourn the application until Wednesday, April 17, in order to give the premises owner and the police enough chance to discuss recent updates between them.

Members have already held a number of meetings to address the matter in recent months but this has ended with several adjournments.

West Midlands Police had also previously raised a number of concerns over the application. Residents cited repeated incidents of fighting, loud music, cars racing up and down the streets and general noise nuisance extending into the early hours.

By Local Democracy Reporter Joe Sweeney