BOOZERS AND LOSERS

20-02-2007

Andy Stowe admits he likes a drink or two, but he's crying into his beer at the news that his home turf of Cotteridge is getting another off-licence. There are already four booze outlets within five minutes walk of each other. Here's his open letter to Birmingham's senior licensing officer, Carolyn Bennett.

Dear Carolyn

Thank you for your letter of 13 February, regarding the incomprehensible decision of the Licensing Sub-Committee to grant a licence to sell alcohol to Martins Newsagents in Cotteridge. How on earth the sub-committee reached this resolution I cannot understand. Please advise by return the membership of the sub-committee. I shall write to each member individually with a request that they each explain to me and other residents how they can justify this decision.

I was not aware that Birmingham City Council had decided that Cotteridge Centre was to be the designated place to buy cheap alcohol in South Birmingham.

Perhaps this is what Council propaganda means by 'rejuvenating our suburban and inner city neighbourhoods?'

For my part, I will take the key elements of City Council policy and resolve the following:

“Where people are not disadvantaged by where they live”

I certainly am by the irresponsible actions of councillors in the sub-committee. Come around my house in the summer holidays and see how much police time is spent chasing around Cotteridge Park.

“A diverse and inclusive city: whose diversity is a strength, where people value each other and get on well together”.

The Councillors obviously value commercial interests more than those who live in the city.

“A prosperous city: with a strong and diversified economy, where Sustainable enterprise and growth are valued and supported.”

Sustainable alcohol enterprise and the growth of the alcohol abuse support sector?

“A connected city: that has effective connections to the outside world.”

Connected to obese, ignorant drunkards? Start 'em early?

"A learning city: where all children and young people are inspired to learn,develop and achieve”

Learn how to buy alcohol by asking 18 years olds to do on their behalf?

“A healthy city: where people live longer and enjoy healthy, active and fulfilling lives.”

And if they manage to do that, sit in Selly Oak A&E on a Saturday Evening being abused by
drunkards.


“A well-housed city: whose neighbourhoods and urban villages contain modern, well-maintained and energy efficient homes.”

All the better to hide in when the drunks are outside shouting and soiling the front gardens?

“A safe city: where people feel safe, whoever they are, wherever they are, whatever their age.”

As long as you are drunk?

“A city of culture and leisure: that is known nationally and internationally for the quality of its arts, sports and leisure.”

And the sale of real ale to children!

“A sustainable city: where the ways we meet the needs of the present do not compromise our ability to meet needs in the future.”

By recycling beer cans into more beer cans?

I was proud to be Brummie for a while. Didn't last long.