Kirklees Council wants to limit the number of new off-licences springing up in Huddersfield and Dewsbury town centres.

The council is concerned over the rise in alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in both towns.

And now the council, as the local licensing authority, is to produce a Cumulative Impact Assessment which would give it more powers to refuse applications for off-licence shops or limit licences for pubs and clubs.

The council can publish a Cumulative Impact Assessment under a new provision of the Licensing Act 2003. This means that if the council believes there are too many licensed premises or off-licences in a concentrated area they can be refused.

A public consultation, which has to be held before an assessment is introduced, is currently underway and can be completed online.

The council says: “By publishing a Cumulative Impact Assessment, a local authority sets down a strong statement of intent about its approach to considering applications for grant and variation of premises licences or club premises certificates in a specific area(s).

“The assessment does not change the fundamental way in which a licensing decision is made, and each application will be considered on its own merits; and it is open for the council to grant an application where it is considered appropriate and where the applicant can show that they would not be adding to the cumulative impact within the specific area.”

The council says anyone applying for a licence would have to show how their business wouldn’t add to alcohol-related issues in the area.

The council adds: “There is indicative evidence to suggest that offences with links to alcohol are an issue in both Dewsbury town centre and Huddersfield town centre.”

You can take part in the consultation HERE.

 

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