Stourbridge special licensing policy set to end

At next week’s cabinet meeting, members are asked to endorse the recommendation of the licensing and safety committee to end the cumulative impact policy in the town.

The policy was introduced in 2006 due to the growing number of licensed premises in Stourbridge.

Anyone applying for a licence or applying for a variation to an existing licence in the designated zone has had to demonstrate the steps they would take to prevent any problems of nuisance and public safety and what they would do to promote the reduction of crime and disorder.

The policy is reviewed every three years and as part of the latest review a consultation was carried out and the responses reported to the licensing and safety committee.

The committee considered responses from individuals and authorities, including from West Midlands Police which said they would not be submitting any representation to keep the cumulative impact zone in the town.

The committee resolved that cabinet and council be recommended to consider that the cumulative impact assessment in Stourbridge town centre was no longer valid and the special policy was no longer required.

Councillor Damian Corfield, cabinet member responsible for licensing, said:

“We want to people to be able to enjoy themselves in a safe way when they are out and about in our towns and all licensing applications are carefully considered in detail, with input from other relevant authorities when appropriate.

“Having considered responses and heard fewer issues are being identified with licensed premises than when the policy was introduced, the licensing committee has recommended the cumulative impact assessment is no longer valid and a special policy no longer required in Stourbridge.” 

Cabinet will consider the recommendations when it meets on Wednesday December 11.