Walsall Council is currently reviewing the cumulative impact of off-licences and licensed premises in Walsall due to an increase in complaints made regarding anti-social behaviour.
The result could mean a new policy which sees license applications subject to greater scrutiny and existing licensed premises receiving rigorous inspections, possibly resulting in a reduction in the number of off-licenses being able to trade in particular areas (referred to as cumulative impact zones (CPZ).
“This could aid the early identification of problem applicants and, potentially, premises fitting the problem profile and reduce the likelihood of further problem premises becoming licensed,” states the report.
The assessment reveals:
“There are 876 licensed premises and club premises certificates issued under the Licensing Act 2003 for the Borough of Walsall. 118 of these premises are located within the current CIP area (Appendix 3). 20 of these premises provide late night refreshment, 51 of the premises provide alcohol (on and off sales), and 47 of the premises provide both alcohol (On and Off sales) and late night refreshment.”
The proposed new policy also plans to tackle the sale of illicit tobacco products, highlighting the areas of Caldmore and Pleck as hotspots for criminal activity.
Members of the public were invited to a public consultation on the proposed policy, though only 12 people responded with nine in support of the more stringent licensing procedures.
One respondent wrote: “Shops that sell illegal goods must be permanently closed not just reopened under another member of the family name compounding the issue. I know may convenience stores selling out of date alcohol cheap and illegal cigarettes and nothing is done as the council is clearly not competent in this area.”
The policy currently only covers premises situated in the WS1 postcode, but there are calls to extend it to areas such as Aldridge, Bloxwich and Palfrey.
Results of the consultation are currently being considered.