Is Bridge Street still the cause of town’s night time issues?

IS Warrington’s Bridge Street – long regarded by many as the centre of the town’s evening economy but also the cause of its night time issues – still the problem it used to be?

The question needs to be asked following the announcement that the borough council is reviewing its Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) – the document which helps the council decide on new applications for licensed premises like bars and restaurants.
Following a review of the current assessment, which was adopted in December 2022, and the latest evidence, the council believes a CIA is no longer specifically needed for the Bridge Street area.
It points out that applications would still be determined in accordance with the council’s policy and the national objective.
However, before making a final decision, the council is asking for feedback on this proposed change.
The CIA policy can be viewed on the council’s website. To take part in the consultation and have your say, you can complete the online survey. Responses must be received by October 13.
Comments can also be emailed to cexlicensing@warrington.gov.uk, or sent in writing to: Licensing, CIP, Warrington Borough Council, East Annexe, Town Hall, Sankey Street, Warrington WA1 1UH.
The Licensing Act 2003 governs the sale and supply of alcohol in England and Wales. It has four licensing objectives:
• the prevention of crime and disorder.
• public safety.
• the prevention of public nuisance.
• the protection of children from harm.
Under the act, the council must publish a statement of its licensing policy at least every five years. A policy must consider any cumulative impact assessment the authority has published.
The purpose of a CIA is to help the authority limit the licences that it grants in areas where there is evidence to show that the number or density of licensed premises may be contributing to problems that are undermining licensing objectives.
Under the current CIA The Licensing Authority is, however, mindful that large numbers of licensed premises, in close proximity to each other, can have a negative impact on the licensing objectives, particularly if they are targeted towards high volume sales of cheap alcohol, within a vertical drinking environment. This can result in crime and disorder within a wider area than that associated with any one premise.
The cumulative impact of people dispersing from an area can also disturb nearby residents. The availability of hot food takeaways can also create flash points, and delay people from dispersing quickly from the area. The ready availability of numerous fast food establishments can also result in excessive littering, both within the immediate area and within surrounding residential areas, as food is consumed and the packaging later discarded on route.
The Licensing Authority is mindful of the need to safeguard users of the late night economy, in relation to crime and disorder but also from alcohol harm. It recognises its responsibilities to protect children from harm and to promote public safety. The concentration of licensed premises, which are based solely around the consumption of alcohol can increase the vulnerability of people and result in alcohol harm.
The Licensing Authority recognises that the impact of longer hours can be a factor as well as the density of the premises, and this issue will be given material consideration in any decision.