An off-licence in Birmingham is to have its premises licence reviewed after police accuse it of ‘fuelling’ crime and trouble in a busy street.
Drinks 2 Go in Erdington ’s High Street has been accused of adding to problems in the area just as West Midlands Police is looking to crack down on them with its Operation Fearless.
The police operation, which began last November, has seen an increased police presence in the high street, working with partner agencies to reduce crime and anti-social behaviour.
Read more: Nearly 75 arrested in two months during crackdown on high street
But Drinks 2 Go is accused of adding to the issues due to ‘poor operational procedures over a number of visits from responsible authorities’.
West Midlands Police’s Detective Superintendent James Monro has referenced the issues in a statement dated April 9, submitted with the premises review application.
The Drinks 2 Go off-licence in High Street, Erdington -Credit:Google
Det Supt Munro says Sergeant Rich Fryer was moving on a group from the High Street on Monday, March 3, which is subject to a public space protection order.
He said the group were ‘intoxicated’, had alcohol seized from them and were told to leave the High Street.
But he continued: “Officers then observed the group going into Drinks 2 Go, purchasing more alcohol, and then consume it on the street. This is captured on body-worn video.”
Get the latest BirminghamLive news direct to your inbox
Police referenced two further incidents, the first on Tuesday, December 17, when immigration officers and police officers attended Drinks 2 Go when a member of staff was arrested for ‘immigration matters’.
Det Supt Munro said: “This has been followed up by the immigration service for civil penalties for the licence holder [named elsewhere in the statement as Mr Nandakumari Kasinthan].
And a second incident on Saturday, April 5 when Operation Fearless officers have ‘had cause to attend Drinks 2 Go in relation to anti-social behaviour linked to the location’.
Det Supt Munro added: “West Midlands Police will provide further evidence and body worn video to the sub-committee to show the poor management practices at the premises and the impact it is having upon crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.”
Members of the public are being invited to make comments on the premises review application by emailing: licensing@birmingham.gov.uk by May 9.