Showground bids for new licence

Bosses at Shrewsbury's West Mid Showground have applied for a new licence which could see alcohol sold on the site until 4am.

The Shropshire and West Midlands Agricultural Society is applying for a 365 day licence. Its current one ends on October 31.

Last year the fireworks display had to be scrapped because the organisers did not have a suitable licence for the PA system.

Gary Tudor, commercial director, said: "The plan is to increase the capability of the showground.

"At the moment, we have a licence which is somewhat restrictive and expires on October 31. We now need a licence which runs 365 days a year.

"At the moment we have two months without a licence."

The society has also asked for regulated entertainment to include films, boxing, live music, recorded music and dance performances to be provided from 10am to 2pm for outdoor events and until 4am for indoor events, as well as the provision of late night refreshments from 10am until 2am outdoors, and until 4am indoors.

Another clause includes extending hours on New Year's Eve for a period of 36 hours.

Mr Tudor said: "Just because it says 4am it does not mean that events will be taking place every weekend until 4am.

"We want to apply for a licence which gives us more flexibility."