Bath city council has claimed that its licensing saturation zone, applied through a Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP) has positively impacted on new licensing applications. Local media have reported that the policy has 'forced a change in the mindset of those making new applications'. A Bath licensing officer said:
The cumulative impact policy has had a very marked effect on licensing applications that have been submitted since its introduction.
Applicants for grants and variations are well aware that there is a reasonable presumption that applications will be refused unless they can show that there will be no negative cumulative effect on one or more of the licensing objectives.
However, only a small number of reports (see for example this one about Southwark) have indicated the effective use of such policies. Many areas are already saturated and the policy cannot be used retrospectively. Addressing the public's understanding of the Licensing Act powers and managing expectations as to the potential impact of saturation policies are also challenges. A commenter on the Bath situation points out that the smoking ban and the economic downturn have played a more significant role in reducing the number of premises and associated problems.
The 2003 Licensing act, which transferred licensing responsibilities from magistrate courts to local authorities, introduced a range of measures to help prevent alcohol related crime and disorder. Saturation zones were an option aimed at controlling the growth of licensed premises where existing problems were already evident. However enforcement agencies may not be making full use of the powers, such as the opportunities to review and impose conditions on problematic premises.
See here for 'A guide to cumulative impact and saturation policies' produced by Southwark Licensing team.
See here for Home Office guiance on tackling alcohol related problems.
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