A shop on Merseyside’s “Wotsit Street” is asking for permission to stay open 24 hours a day. The shop, described as “beautiful and nice” by one Google reviewer, is facing opposition to its plans.

Amanji Bakhtyarpanah on behalf of shop Birko at 9 Grange Road West in Birkenhead has applied for a 24 hour licence to stay open all day. The business is also asking Wirral Council for permission to sell alcohol for 24 hours.

Birko’s licence application comes before Wirral councillors at a licensing committee meeting on November 24. Councillors will have to take into account a policy for the area restricting the number of off-licence premises allowed to sell alcohol.

placeholder image — The shop is located on Grange Road West on a stretch of the road in Birkenhead which has recently made national headlines over colourful road markings | William Lailey / SWNS

The shop is located on Grange Road West on a stretch of the road in Birkenhead which has recently made national headlines over colourful road markings put down by Wirral Council. The road has been labelled “Wotsit Walks” or “Wotsit Street” by some members of the public.

Birko were approached for comment. On an Instagram page linked to the business, the shop can be seen selling a large number of items from drinks to Chinese collectable soft toys called Labubus, food, and vapes.

The cumulative impact assessment policy for the area was brought in after Merseyside Police evidence said “the number of premises selling alcohol only for consumption off the premises was having a cumulative impact and leading to problems undermining the licensing objectives, in particular crime and disorder and public nuisance.”

Applications have to show they are not adding to problems in the area with a strict operating schedule, their application is consistent with licensing objectives set out in law, and councillors would be justified in granting the licence.

Alongside the application, a number of representations have been made to the local authority against the application. A council report said Merseyside Police believe “granting of this application will undermine the licensing objectives of the prevention of crime and disorder and the prevention of public nuisance.”

The council’s licensing department raised similar concerns and councillors Amanda Onwuemene and Steve Foulkes have written into the council with concerns over problems “caused by drugs and alcohol” and “street drinkers within the area.”

During a review of the CIA area in 2024, Constable Chris Clinch made a representation on behalf of Merseyside Police asking councillors to keep the policy which has been in place in Birkenhead since 2017. He said alcohol-related crime was rising at the time and issues with street drinking were commonplace.

Some businesses have reported crackdowns by Merseyside Police have reduced issues in Birkenhead town centre. However many on Grange Road West recently told the LDRS street drinkers were a major problem in the area.

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