Norwich adopts Cumulative Impact Zone

Councillors agreed earlier this week for the zone to be introduced in the city centre around the Prince of Wales Road area. The move came after a consultation, where Norfolk Constabulary said the high concentration of premises was directly linked to the level of late-night disorder.

The policy will apply to premises applying for a licence, or a licence variation, to sell alcohol or late night refreshments between 9pm and 6am.

Under the policy the council will be able to refuse a licence if the premises cannot prove they will not contribute to disorder.

Poppleston Allen managing partner, Jonathan Smith, said: "There are now over 200 cumulative impact policies in place across the country.

“It would be interesting to examine if any other factors had led to an increase in the levels of violence since the inclination is to jump to the conclusion it's down to the increase in licensed premises.

'Deterred'​

“Whilst the council must keep the policy under review, there are few if any examples of a council deciding to remove a Cumulative Impact Policy once in place. I would simply ask if this is the answer rather other solutions and will the policy simply lead to less investment in the city centre with little incentive for those already operating to invest in premises and with new operators deterred from coming in to the city."

Norwich Constabulary controversially introduced a scheme where pubs and late-night venues breathalyse customers before entry.

Council response​

Cabinet member for ​neighbourhoods and community safety, Cllr Keith Driver said: “The cumulative impact policy has been agreed following a report from Norfolk Constabulary regarding the concentration of anti-social behaviour in certain areas of Norwich’s night time economy and a subsequent public consultation.

"When the policy is implemented it will be the responsibility of any business applying for a new license, or looking to change an existing license within the designated area, to demonstrate that their business will not contribute to anti-social behaviour before their application can be approved.

"Since the policy was formally agreed earlier this week, there have been positive reactions from local businesses and residents, and we hope that it will achieve the desired outcome to strike a balance between our night time economy and the needs and safety of the community."