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Licence restrictions considered to tackle crime

Jack FiehnSurrey Political Reporter
Getty Images Three cocktails are on a bar counter in a darkly lit bar. Getty Images
Different restrictions for licensed premises are being considered by two councils

Two Surrey councils are considering tighter licensing restrictions on pubs, clubs and takeaways to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour.

Woking Borough Council (WBC) has launched a consultation on its existing Saturation Zone, also known as a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA), which allows it to refuse new licences in parts of the town centre.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is also due to decide next month whether to introduce a Special Stress Area covering parts of Epsom town centre.

Woking and Epsom have been identified by Surrey Police as hotspots for anti-social behaviour and violence, alongside Guildford, Knaphill, Redhill, Staines and Camberley, a report said.

A sign directs people to different parts of Woking town centre, including Victoria Place, Commercial Way, Chertsey Road and Jubilee Square
The existing 'Saturation Zone' means Woking Borough Council can refuse applications for new licences

The consultation for Woking, which originally introduced a CIA in 2007 and expanded it in 2009, will finish on 24 July.

The zone includes Victoria Way, Chertsey Road, Stanley Road, The Broadway and High Street, as well as Goldsworth Road and Church Street West.

It means that applications for new licences, variations to existing ones or new club premises certificates are likely to be refused by the council.

Licensed premises include businesses that sell alcohol, provide hot food and drink between 23:00 and 05:00 BST, or provide music, sport or performances.

Councillor Ann-Marie Barker, leader of WBC and portfolio holder for licensing, said the responses will be "carefully considered to ensure any future approach is balanced, proportionate and supported by evidence."

"Keeping Woking town centre a safe and welcoming place for everyone to visit is one of our priorities," she said

"This consultation is an important opportunity for residents, businesses and partners to share their experiences and help shape how we manage licensed premises in the town centre."

Epsom High Street. Signs for Papa Johns and McDonalds can be seen. People walk along the streets. A sign tells motorists how to get to Epsom Downs, Purley, Reigate, Central London, Sutton and Ewell.
High Street in Epsom is among the places being considered as a Special Stress Area

A decision to have an SSA in Epsom is expected to happen at a full council meeting on 21 July.

It would cover locations including High Street, Ashley Avenue and Station Approach, as well as parts of Waterloo Road, Ashley Road, the Parade, South Street, West Street and Upper High Street.

According to a report, the SSA would not mean a "presumption of refusal" for new and varied applications for late night businesses and club premises certificates.

Businesses would be "expected to pay special attention when drawing up their operating schedules and to make positive proposals to ensure that their operation will not add to the problems."

Measures could include employing door staff, CCTV, managing the number of people, appropriate closing and "drinking up" times, and policies to manage noise and the "timely dispersal of customers."

EEBC has been approached for comment.

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