Tory Council Hesitates Over Drinks Licence Crackdown

2.01.39pm GMT Wed 1st Dec 2004

The Council is expressing reluctance to use its powers under the new Licensing Act to deal with the "cumulative impact" of drinking in Twickenham and Richmond town centres, fearing it may be challenged in court by publicans. The Council's policy is to be completed by 14th December [Contact: Cllr Denise Carr - 8891 2482].

Vincent Cable MP said that "if the Council proves unable or unwilling to use their powers as a licensing authority to curb the proliferation of licenses, residents will be deeply disappointed.

"Parliament passed this legislation to give residents more influence over licensing and, for the first time, there are powers to look at the cumulative effect of new licenses being grated. It appears that there is nervousness about being able to prove fully that disruption is being caused by heavy drinking. We must look to the police to have a strong presence on the streets around closing time to ensure that disorder is dealt with and recorded. Instead of backing off the issue the Council should help to set up a late night helpline so that residents complaints can be heard and recorded and used in disputed licensing applications. Residents are going to want to see some action on this front."