Brighton pub saturation zone under fire

Trade leaders have hit out at plans for the country's largest saturation zone that would cover the whole of central Brighton.

They say the proposal, which came at the request of police and residents groups, is a blanket approach that does not take into account the impact of individual streets.

This week Brighton & Hove City Council released a consultation on the plan, including the police's arguments.

In a saturation zone, anyone who wants a new licence would have to demonstrate that their presence would not hinder the licensing objectives, such as preventing crime and disorder.

Saturation zone​

The proposed zone for central Brighton covers every road within an area of roughly four square kilometres.

There is a presumption of guilt which runs counter to my notion of justice​A Brighton operator

"Some people have put forward a suggestion that you could just have it for particular streets where there are a lot of premises,"​ said Inspector Bill Whitehead.

"While there may not be many premises in the intervening streets, there's a through flow of people during the evening. They move through the area and crime and disorder follows them."​

Misuse of power​

British Beer & Pub Association (BBPA) director of communications Mark Hastings said the move was a "misinterpretation"​ of the Licensing Act and a "misuse"​ of the council's powers.

The submission from the BBPA suported by the BII, said the proposal that "cafe bar style establishments"​ would be looked upon "favourably and would not be unduly affected by a cumulative impact policy"​ would be "potentially open to legal challenges".​

Greene King Pub Partners also expressed concern in a submission to the council. Commercial director Sue Thomas-Taylor said: "It is not only fair, but also common sense, that licence applications should always be considered on their own merit and in accordance with Government guidance, not grouped together for a blanket decision."​

Unfair​

One operator told the MA: "I have very serious concerns regarding the motivation behind this, which is clearly being promoted by the police. There is a presumption of guilt which runs counter to my notion of justice."​

MA legal editor Peter Coulson said: "There's a danger that the police will throw a ring around an area, thinking it will solve problems.​

"But it's not fair in terms of licensing policy if within that ring the addition of other premises wouldn't make matters worse."

The consultation into the proposed saturation zone ends on 2 November and the final report on the policy will be discussed by the licensing committee on 22 November.