Mo Camara
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The City of Wolverhampton Council has taken decisive action against Chill Wine Bar in Tettenhall, owned by former Wolverhampton Wanderers defender Mo Camara, by revoking its licence. This decision follows a series of late-night lock-ins held in September last year, nearly 18 months after the bar’s licence was initially suspended for similar violations. The council cited instances where door staff were seen serving drinks, and loud music continued past the designated midnight cut-off.
Mo Camara said: “Just give me a chance to sell my business because I feel like I can’t do it any more.”
During a council hearing, environmental health officers reported that the music from Chill Wine Bar was so loud that it disrupted the sleep of nearby residents, who could even sing along to the lyrics from their homes. Despite Camara’s plea to extend the bar’s operating hours, the council, along with West Midlands Police, objected due to ongoing concerns about late-night noise disturbances.
Mo Camara said: “I’m struggling to pay my bills. People think that because I’m an ex-footballer [I’ve got lots of money]. I have to pay my staff, council tax is going up, business rates are going up and I’m struggling to keep a hold of my business.”
Camara expressed his difficulties in managing the business post-Covid-19 pandemic, highlighting the financial strain he faced. He requested an extension of just half an hour to the bar’s closing time to aid in the bar’s financial recovery. However, his request was denied, and he was removed as the bar’s supervisor after allowing drinks to be served to a full bar on consecutive weekends despite prior warnings.
Mo Camara said: “I make some mistakes sometimes but that’s life… I’m trying to make people happy. I’m not a bad person.”
The situation underscores the challenges faced by business owners in complying with licensing regulations, especially in a post-pandemic economic climate. Camara’s case highlights the delicate balance between maintaining business viability and adhering to community standards and regulations. Despite his removal as the bar’s supervisor, Camara remains the venue’s licence holder, facing the ongoing challenge of resolving these regulatory issues while attempting to sell the business.
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