Newmarket plans block on new pubs

Newmarket looks set to become the latest town to adopt a cumulative impact policy as a block to new pubs and nightclubs opening.

This would mean any operator applying for a new licence in the town would have to prove business would not add to crime and disorder.

Forest Heath District Council is inviting comments on the "cumulative impact policy" with a deadline of Sunday 11 November for views.

Newmarket is one of the busiest town centres in Suffolk at weekends with two nightclubs and many pubs opening late. But town-centre residents have complained about noise, disturbance, and violence. Police have also expressed concern about the need to have extra officers on Fridays and Saturdays.

The draft policy says the council wants to "reduce the dominance of pubs, bars and nightclubs" in the town.

It adds: "Any future expansion of licensed premises and night-time economy should be consistent with the wider regeneration aspirations of the council and its partners, and should actively promote an inclusive town centre for all that is a safe and pleasant place to be in."

Figures produced by the Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership show 85% of the violence in the town centre in 2006/7 was alcohol-related, compared to little more than 50% in 2003/4.

Cllr Susan Honeyford,

member champion for community engagement and communication, told the Cambridge Evening News: "The number of licensed premises in Newmarket can have a great impact on local residents.

"This makes it very important for us to hear as many views as possible before considering new policies."