Wolverhampton restaurant's licence bid sparks safety fears

The First Class Lounge, in School Street, Wolverhampton, wants to operate out of the former home of Catellani’s Italian Restaurant which closed its doors a number of years ago.

Following the application, made by Erastus Ndi, a number of issues have been raised, as the venue is located within one of the city’s designated Cumulative Impact Zones.

This means the surrounding area has a high number of licenced premises, such and bars and restaurants, and councils work to limit further venues.

The two-storey venue plans to operate predominately as a restaurant during the week and as a nightclub on Friday and Saturday evenings.

A number of issues were raised by West Midlands Fire Service following an inspection of the premises.

In a letter to Wolverhampton Council, fire safety officer, Neil Aston-Baugh, said raised concerns over fire alarm systems, exits, potential fire hazards and fears over overcrowding at busy times.

The letter states: “The fire alarm is faulty; (there is) insufficient emergency lighting in some areas; the rear fire exit was blocked and impassable at the time of the inspection; the plastic wall panels on the first floor are a fire hazard; the proposed safe numbers of 220 patrons appears to be inadequately calculated which may lead to overcrowding.

“The fire authority will maintain its representation until the above matters are rectified and the safe occupancy numbers are clarified,” added Mr Aston-Baugh.

Additional concerns have also been raised by the council’s environmental health department, public health and licensing authority.

It comes as plans for 166 new flats at the site of old office block Network House, also in School Street, were approved by the city council.

In written correspondence to licensing bosses, city centre senior officer for environmental health, Sarah Gee, said: “There is insufficient detail within the operating schedule to show how they will address the prevention of public nuisance, especially given that planning permission has been granted for the provision of 116 dwellings at Network House, School Street.

In a letter from the city’s licensing authority, section leader Elaine Moreton said: “There is insufficient information within the operating schedule to show how they will address all four licensing objectives.

Licensing consultant Paul Jones from Innpacked – acting on behalf of the premises – said his client had agreed to a reduction in the hours applied for and had also submitted a list of amendments to the proposed application.

Wolverhampton Council’s licence sub-committee will discuss the application during an online meeting tomorrow.