The Licensing Act 2003 Statement Of Licensing Policy January 2021

Cumulative Impact Policies (CIP) were introduced as a tool for licensing authorities to limit the growth of licensed premises in a problem area. This is set out in the statutory guidance issued under Section 182 of the Act.

Cumulative impact occurs when the saturation of licensed premises (on-license alone, off-license alone or both combined) in an area is identified as causing a concern about one or more of the licensing objectives, which is then supported by an evidence base which proves that a special policy is required to more effectively manage and control the supply and consumption of alcohol in that area.

This special policy creates a rebuttable presumption that applications for new premises licences, club premises certificates, or variation applications that are likely to add to the existing cumulative impact will normally be refused, unless the applicant can demonstrate why the operation of the premises involved will not add to the cumulative impact or otherwise impact adversely on the promotion of the licensing objectives.

The Council will consider the imposition of a CIP in areas where there is evidence that the saturation of licensed premises is undermining one or more of the licensing objectives.

Irrespective of a CIP being put in place, the Council expects that applicants consider the area and the number and type of existing licensed premises before making an application. If issues such as these are not addressed in an application, a cumulative impact, or saturation policy may be considered.

In considering such policies, the Council would review the evidence available to see whether alcohol related issues are due to the accumulation of premises, rather than an individual premise, and subsequently consider whether further new licenses will be granted, or if specific license conditions need to be introduced to prevent further problems in the area.

If these conditions fail to address the issues, a saturation policy may be considered, in which further license applications in a given area will normally be refused. Should this course of action be pursued, it would be done after consultation with residents and responsible authorities to establish the extent of the problems, assess the cause and recommend policies to address the issues. Any such policy would be reviewed at regular, agreed intervals.