The police requested a review of Evo Spirits, 65 High Street, Bilston, following serious allegations concerning children's safeguarding.
A behind closed doors meeting of the city council's licensing sub committee today heard submissions from the police detailing the claims which are subject to an ongoing investigation. This was supported by licensing, trading standards and safeguarding officers from the council who outlined a number of other alleged concerns regarding the management of the premises.
These concerns were:
- the alleged illegal employment of children as young as 12 years old
- alleged illegal money lending
- alleged breaches of environmental laws
After considering the evidence and hearing representations from the licensee, the sub committee decided to revoke the premises licence on the grounds of crime and disorder and the protection of children from harm.
The premises has 21 days to appeal the decision to the courts and may continue to trade during this period under strict conditions previously imposed by licensing chiefs.
Councillor Alan Bolshaw, chairman of the licensing committee, said: "In matters of public safety, people will expect no less than the swift, decisive, robust action we have taken today.
"Clearly, due to the sensitive nature of these allegations and the ongoing police investigation, we are limited in terms of the detail we can disclose at this time."
- released: Wednesday 10 June, 2015