Westminster council, the largest licensing authority with over 3,000 premises, is preparing to restrict the number of off-licenses through a local saturation zone, the Publican reports. Concerns over 'pre-loading', where revellers consume cheaper alcohol before going to pubs and clubs is said to be behind the move to include off-licenses in its 'stress-area'.
Under the Licensing Act, authorities can use Cumulative Impact Policies (or 'saturation zones') to restrict the growth of licensed premises in areas associated with problems. Though intended for restricting growth in on-trade premises, Westminster cited 643 public nuisance incidents in six nights which could be blamed on pre-loading, and received backing from the on-trade. A Westminster Council spokesman said:
'We are refining and clarifying our stress area policy, particularly around issues of dispersal, fast food, restaurants serving alcohol without food and the operation of off-licences, in order to ensure we can continue to robustly tackle issues which can lead to alcohol-related disorder and anti-social behaviour.”
See here for local Cumulative Impact Policy guidance from Southwark and Torbay. The measure was highlighted in the recent consultation on Licensing Act, suggesting a reduction in the evidential requirement may be brought in.
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