Wolverhampton outdoor ‘street party’ plan turned down

It means the event in Blossoms Fold and part of North Street in April will not be allowed to go ahead.

Concerns had been raised by West Midlands Police following an application for a temporary event notice from the owner of Blossoms Nightclub, Johnny Jones, who said he had held two similar events in the city last year.

Mr Jones had hoped to stage the public function, featuring live music, a DJ, street food vendors and the sale of alcohol from Sunday, April 12, to Monday, April 13, between 4pm and 2am.

Objections were submitted by West Midlands Police who had previously said they were satisfied that allowing the area to be used in accordance with the Temporary Event Notice would undermine the Prevention of Crime and Disorder Licensing objective. The area does not hold a premises licence.

In his application, Mr Jones said he intended to use all of Blossoms Fold and a small amount of North Street for portable toilets. He told Wolverhampton Council’s statutory licensing sub-committee both roads would be cordoned off and security services for the event would be supplied by The Lion Group (TLG).

He said: "Basically, it’s just a large celebration for Bank Holiday that Blossoms would like to put on. People enjoy dancing in the sun and we just wanted to extend that chance to the club’s followers."

In an email to the council's licensing department, Aimee Taylor from Wolverhampton Neighbourhood Policing Unit (NPU), said: "I am aware there is a SAG (Safety Advisory Group) in place for this event which may make things clearer however, based on the information currently provided West Midlands Police would like to make representations under the licensing objective of Prevention of Crime and Disorder.”

An earlier sub-committee hearing on February 10 had been adjourned following a request from the police who were unable to send representation to the meeting.

However, following deliberations, committee chairman Councillor Alan Bolshaw said the committee had decided to issue a counter notice, in the belief that the licensing objective of Prevention of Crime and Disorder would not be upheld if the event went ahead.

Following the hearing, Mr Jones said: "I am disappointed, obviously. The best thing would have been for us to have the opportunity to speak at a Safety Advisory Group (SAG) meeting where we would have been able to mediate better.”