Cumulative Impact
Many local authorities are tackling public nuisance and crime and disorder in areas saturated by licensed premises by adopting cumulative impact policies.
Sometimes known as saturation zones or stress areas, the principle here is that the existing disorder and/or public nuisance is so bad that no new premises should be licensed or additional capacity allowed. In addition, later hours for existing premises may be difficult to achieve.
Applicants who have premises or are seeking to buy premises (and make changes to the licence) in these areas will need to address the issues in their operating schedules in order to show that any application, if granted, would not add to the 'cumulative impact'.
Whilst popular with the police, many see these zones as leading to a lack of choice for the consumer and to a reduction of standards in existing establishments.
Given that we have worked with every Licensing Authority in England and Wales, we're well placed to advise you based on previous applications or variations that we've dealt with. Give us a call and we'll chat it through.
