Pub-goers, businesses and residents are being asked for their thoughts on possible changes to licensing rules in and around the City Centre.
Devon and Cornwall police want to expand the area covered by the cumulative impact policy to include the City Centre in addition to the five areas which are already covered by the policy: Mutley, North Hill, Stoke, Barbican and Union Street (including Derry’s Cross).
Anyone operating premises or organising events that include the sale or supply of alcohol or late night refreshments (hot food or drink to the public between 11pm and 5am on any day), must have a licence.
The policy affects licensed businesses and puts the onus on a person or company applying for a licence to prove that their new business would not lead to an increase in anti-social behaviour.
Sgt Dave Moore, licensing sergeant for Plymouth said: “The policy is a useful tool. It helps keep the balance of a vibrant and lively place to go out in but tempers poor behaviour that sometimes comes with alcohol.
“It also shows that the city centre is changing. There are more places to go out in the city centre, cafes and bars are opening up and at the same time we are seeing more residential properties and hotels.
“Like other cities we are moving towards a broader mix of uses in the city centre, not just shopping.
“The policy could help to target street drinking as shops hoping to sell high strength alcohol would have to prove they are not going to increase a problem”, he said and added that street drinkers tend to stay close to their alcohol supply as possible, and we would aim to try and prevent interactions between street drinkers and shoppers going about their business.
Almost half the crime committed in the city centre occur during the evening and night despite much fewer people being around than during the day.
There is a spike of reported issues between 3 and 4 am which identifies a lack of dispersal due to late night eating after late night venues have closed.
The number of noise complaints in the city centre have doubled since 2019, despite Covid-19. And there has been an increase in public nuisance and anti-social behaviour reports such as urinating the streets, litter dropped by customers on their way home or smoking outside of premises, drug use and vandalism/graffiti.
While these complaints are not associated with one particular premises, they can occur because of the increase in number or type of licensed premises and their customers.
Under the policy, new, or applications to vary existing licenses, put a responsibility on the applicants to prove there would be no increase in drink-related problems. If the applicant cannot do this then there is more likelihood of conditions being imposed or a refusal to grant a licence or variation.
The applicant also has to show what they would do to prevent crime and disorder, to ensure public safety, prevent public nuisance and protect children from harm.
Each case is considered on its own merit. Restaurants, for instance, need a licence to serve drinks, but are unlikely to create problems in the neighbourhood.
Councillor John Riley, Cabinet Member for Community Safety said: “The police have asked us to consider adding the city centre to the policy as poor behaviour is beginning to creep in more frequently at night.
“We want people to enjoy a great night out but need to make sure anti-social behaviour by a few doesn’t spoil the experience for the vast majority.
“Over the last few years city organisations have worked incredibly hard to improve the night time economy. We’ve got the Safe Bus, street pastors, taxi marshals and the anti-drink spiking scheme. We’ve worked together to achieve the Purple Flag status. Ultimately it is a massive team effort into the early hours to make Plymouth feel safe and welcoming.”
Between 2109 and 2021, 75 applications were made within CIP areas. Nearly all had some input from the police and the Council’s licensing teams. A total of 41 had specific mediation with only seven going to the licensing committee and only one refused.
The consultation starts 10 March and goes on until June 2.