Policy that helps control number of alcohol outlets in Wisbech looks set to be binned

A policy aimed at controlling the number of off-licences in Wisbech town centre looks set to be scrapped despite public support.

Fenland District Council’s licensing committee agreed to recommend members abandon the cumulative impact assessment (CIA) policy, which was introduced to a swathe of the town centre in 2016, at its meeting on Tuesday.

The move comes despite a public survey which showed not only residents’ support for the CIA but also their desire to have it extended to cover the whole of the town.

Fenland’s licensing manager Michelle Bishop told the committee there were 30 responses to the survey, which was run in the autumn,last year with 27 of those in favour of keeping it.

The CIA allows for ‘a rebuttable presumption’ which means applications for new licenses or variations of existing licenses will normally be refused.

However, the committee felt the policy could stymie any potential businesses that might boost the town’s night time economy, such as new nightclubs.

The police ad Cambridgeshire County Council were asked for their views on whether or not the policy should remain. Dr Liz Robin, director of health for Cambridgeshire, wanted to see the CIA continue.

She said: “Alcohol can have significant negative health, social and economic impacts on communities, many of which are heightened in areas of high alcohol outlet density, such as Wisbech.

“In addition, there are inequalities associated with alcohol-related harm, with more deprived communities, such as those in the Wisbech area experiencing greater levels of harms. In line with the licensing objectives outline above, I therefore support the continuation of the cumulative impact policy in Wisbech.

She also pointed out that October’s licensing committee recommended that cumulative impact zone be put in place covering all licensed premises in the town.

Dr Robin said: “Now full Council has asked the committee to reconsider the issue, I would like to highlight the issue with the proliferation of Off Licenses and encourage the committee to consider that issue in particular. Focussing on off licenses only could help to address street drinking without impacting on the on sales businesses in local pubs and restaurants.”

In their response Wisbech Town Council said: “It is disappointing when a policy is put in place to address an issue but fails to do so; that is the case with the Wisbech Cumulative Impact Policy. Although the intention of the policy is laudable, it is not effective; reducing the number of premises which are allowed to sell alcohol does not reduce the supply; all that it does is “protect” existing licensed premises, even if they are not run well, from potential competition.”

But town councillors did not feel that because it was not working the policy should be abandoned. Adding: “The policy is not working but that does not necessarily mean that it should be abandoned.

“However, it should be acknowledged that this policy is not the means by which to achieve a reduction in street drinking in Wisbech.”

PC Grahame Robinson, the police licensing officer, did not think the current policy would help his cause when opposing a licensing application.

He said: “As it stands I am not confident that police representation against the grant of a Premises License would be upheld should there be an appeal at the Magistrates Court. I recommend that rather than a blanket Cumulative Impact Area defined by an indiscriminate circumference, a clear defined area should be redefined / identified with a clear programme of work between partners / responsible authorities to deal with Off License premises and the negative impact street drinking is having on the town centre.”

The committee’s decision to recommend removal of the CIA will now be discussed at the full council meeting on February 20.