Statement of Licensing Policy (2008) WCC - Westminster City Council

Appendix 14. Stress Areas and cumulativeimpact1. The cumulative impact of licensed premises on the promotion of the licensingobjectives is a matter for consideration by the council (revised Guidance, paragraph13.24).2. In parts of Westminster the growth, type and density of licensed premises is suchthat it causes problems of nuisance and disorder not only in the immediate vicinityof these premises but also some distance away. In revised Guidance, ‘cumulativeimpact’ is defi ned as the potential impact on the promotion of the licensing objectivesof a signifi cant number of licensed premises concentrated in one area. For example,the potential impact on crime and disorder or public nuisance on a town or citycentre that a large concentration of licensed premises has on that part of the locallicensing authority area. The cumulative impact of licensed premises on the promotionof the licensing objectives is a proper matter for a licensing authority to consider indeveloping its licensing policy statement (revised Guidance, paragraph 13.24). Itis possible that the impact on surrounding areas of the behaviour of customers ofall premises taken together is greater than the usual impact from customers of anindividual premises (revised Guidance, Paragraph 13.25).3. Revised Guidance page 93 sets out the steps to be followed when consideringwhether to adopt a special policy within the Licensing policy these include:• Identify concern about crime and disorder or public nuisance.• Consider whether there is good evidence that crime and disorder ornuisance are happening and are caused by the customers of licensedpremises, or that the risk of cumulative impact is imminent.• Identity the boundaries of the area where problems are occurring.• Consult with those specifi ed by section 5(3) of the 2003 Act and subject tothe outcome of that consultation.• Include and publish details of special policy statement of licensing policy.4. Having had regard to revised Guidance and the existing situation in Westminster andto representations made by the Police and residents, as outlined in Appendix 14 thecouncil considered it necessary to propose special policies on cumulative impact145