New licence granted in 'saturation zone'

Cannock-based operator Bar Sport has been give the green light by Loughborough magistrates to open a new bar in the town after winning an appeal.

The decision gives hope to other licensees who are looking to expand in towns where there are saturation zones in place.

Scott Murray, managing director of Bar Sport, which currently has sport-themed bars in Cannock and Walsall, said: "We are obviously delighted. The whole case was centred around the argument that it would mean a rise in disorder. Our argument was that as a responsible operator we could improve the situation in the town."

Bar Sport was initially refused a licence by Charnwood Borough Council last November because of Loughborough's saturation policy, which was introduced under the new Licensing Act. There were concerns that any new licensed premises would have a negative impact on the area, leading to a rise in crime and disorder.

Bar Sport convinced the magistrates that its new bar, as it will serve food, will not be just a vertical drinking establishment. It also plans to arrange a dedicated taxi service for its customers when it open in October this year.

But Sgt Sean Moore, licensing officer at Leicestershire Police, who was involved in the case has spoken out against the decision: "Obviously we are not happy. Loughborough has a problem with violent crime around licensed premises and it's another 450 people who will be in the town centre late at night."

David Platts, deputy director of Partnerships and Customer Services at Charnwood Borough Council, said it accepted the decision, adding: "All licence applications will continue to be considered on their own individual merit."

Martin Rawlings, director of pub and leisure at the British Beer & Pub Association, said he was not aware of any previously successful appeals, but was not surprised by the outcome. "If things are not proven then the system is open to interpretation - it is a legal grey area," he said. Mr Rawlings advised licensees who were thinking of applying for a licence in a saturation zone to "talk to their council first".

What is a saturation zone?

Guidance issued to police and local authorities before the Licensing Act recognised that the saturation of licensed venues in an area can impact on public nuisance and disorder.

If a 'problem' area, or saturation zone, has been identified, licensing authorities can have a special policy against granting any more licences - but should consider each application on a case-by-case basis.