Saturation zone consultation launched

Wednesday March 23, 2011

Residents in Shepherds Bush are being asked if they want to introduce a special licensing policy that could stop town centre off-licences, take-aways, pubs and clubs, getting licences in a bid to crack down on binge drinking and alcohol related problems.

H&F Council is consulting residents on introducing a ‘cumulative policy’, which works by refusing to grant any licenses which would have a negative impact on the area that already has many licensed shops and bars.

The special licensing policy will focus around a ‘saturation zone’ in the town centre, which has often seen antisocial behaviour, particularly in the early hours of the morning on weekends.

If residents or the police tell the licensing sub-committee that they believe a new licence will cause trouble in the area, then the potential licensee would have to explain how they would prevent that problem from happening in the first place.

Existing licences for premises within the zone would not be affected by the policy but applications to vary their licences would have to be made taking into account the new policy.

The scheme is already up and running in Fulham town centre, around the Broadway, and has proved successful. The consultation began last week and runs until 5pm on Friday, June 10, 2011. To take part, please visit www.citizenspace.com/local/lbhf/saturationpolicy2 (opens new window).