Erdington shop alcohol hours spark backlash

National World - LocalTV

Plans to extend alcohol sales at B&M in Erdington have prompted objections from residents and police. Critics say it could undermine progress made through Operation Fearless, a policing initiative aimed at reducing anti-social behaviour. The council will decide on the proposal next Monday.

Transcript

00:00This isn't the first time Erdington's High Street has made headlines. For years it's

00:05carried a reputation, petty crime, public drinking and street level disorder.

00:10Earlier this year West Midlands Police launched Operation Fearless, a targeted crackdown funded

00:16by £880,000 taken from criminals. More patrols, stricter enforcement and a stronger presence.

00:24According to the force it's working, businesses say trade is steadier. Residents say they feel

00:29safer. But now that progress could be under threat, at least according to some. The local

00:35B&M wants permission to sell alcohol from 7am to 11pm. It's a move that's prompted several

00:41objections. Opponents claim Erdington already has more than enough booze on offer. With

00:46other off-licences nearby, plus two pubs, they fear longer hours could reopen the floodgates.

00:52Bringing back the drink-fuelled behaviour, they've worked hard to push out.

00:58Some say it's about precedent. If one store gets longer hours,

01:02others will follow. And before long, we're back to square one.

01:06But there's a flip side. Erdington needs growth. And for better or worse, retail brings jobs.

01:12If B&M sticks to the rules, is it fair to block their plans?

01:17This is a story that sits at the fault line between public order and economic revival.

01:22A fragile recovery, a commercial right and a community still healing from years of neglect.

01:28The decision now rests with a licensing subcommittee next Monday. But whatever the outcome,

01:33one thing is clear. Erdington's future won't just be shaped by policing plans or shopfronts,

01:39but by whose version of progress wins out.

Category

Transcript

Recommended