Jess Phillips MP opposes Garretts Green cafe’s alcohol bid

A Birmingham MP has opposed a café/restaurant’s bid for an alcohol licence due to fears for the impact on a neighbouring nursery.

Jess Phillips, MP for Birmingham Yardley, has made a representation against the application from Pints N’ Plates in Garretts Green Lane, Garretts Green.

The venue wants to serve alcohol between 9am and 11pm and stay open until 11.30pm – but Ms Phillips has said it is “unsuitable” for an alcohol licence due to a nursery next door.

Ms Phillips has carried out a survey of residents and said 57 per cent called for the application to be rejected, while 35 per cent called for hours to be limited to the evening.

What has Ms Phillps said about the application?

Ms Phillips said: “The primary concern is that the proposed establishment is directly next door to a children’s nursery, which I believe makes it unsuitable for the serving of alcohol, particularly as the application is for consumption on the premises seven days a week from 9am to 11pm.

“Many of my constituents also pointed out that there are already plenty of licensed properties nearby, and that the approval of this application would negatively affect the character of the area.

“There are also concerns that this would lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour and disruption on what is predominantly a residential street.

“57 per cent of the residents who responded called for this application to be rejected outright, while a further 35 per cent would only withdraw their objection if the operating hours were limited to the evening.”

What has the nursery said about the Pins ‘n’ Plates alcohol licence application?

Mucky Pups Day Nursery is open from 7.30am to 6pm and caters for children between six months and school age.

“In an objection, the nursery said: “It will not be acceptable for our parents and staff to have to negotiate customers who will be able to consume alcohol right next to our premises between the hours of 9am and 11pm.”

In the application, applicant Durga Prasad set out how the business would meet the objective of protecting children from harm as set out in the Licensing Act 2003.

They said: “The designated premises supervisor and staff will at all times remain aware of their responsibilities under the objective, including that alcohol shall not be sold to anyone under the age of 18.

“Staff on duty will be trained and made aware of a challenge 25 policy and the requirements and the need to demand an acceptable form of age ID.

“No adult entertainment is permitted at these premises. The premises will operate a Challenge 25 policy. Refusals register will be maintained.”

A Birmingham City Council licensing sub-committee meeting can be viewed from 10am on March 21 on the council’s committee meetings YouTube page

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