Derby police want ban on new alcohol licences

Derby's police chief has backed calls for a temporary ban on new alcohol licences in the city centre.

Chief superintendent Andy Hough told the Morning Advertiser​ that a three-month ban should be in place while a review into the city's night-time economy is carried out.

He also wants to temporarily halt issuing variations of existing licences which allow pubs to stay open later.

Hough said it would be prudent to consider how many licences Derby needed, and whether the current number should be reduced.

"We have the fifth densest cluster of licensed premises in the country — there are 20 venues which serve alcohol after 2am — most are open until 4 or 5am on Fridays and Saturdays. 

"That small proportion of people staying the the city centre at that time of night are doing so to get drunk."

He said action was needed in light of the high number of alcohol-related admissions to hospital, minor assaults and ambulance pick-ups in the city centre.

"I'm spending £48,000 in overtime putting 13 officers on the streets in the city centre between 9pm and 6am on weekend nights."

Hough added: "We're not against late licences, but we're going to see a reduction in our budget and in our overtime. I'll have to decide where I put my officers."

He wants to be "fair to responsible licensees" but "firmer with those that breach conditions."

David Lalor, chairman of Derby's Pubwatch and licensee at the Station Inn, said: "I think he's absolutely correct in stopping new licences. In the city centre there are in excess of 100 pubs and bars."

As for banning the extension of late licences, Lalor said: "The idea of 24-hour licensing and staggered closing times never really worked out. I'd completely agree with the chief superintendent when it comes to putting a stop to extending hours for a few months."