These premises
are, as we understand it, within the cumulative impact zone
George Street
is a focus late night drinking and regularly feature high on the police lists
of reported crime and disorder.
Many agencies
and organisations, including local licensees, have worked hard and with some
success to improve the management of the night time economy.
Licensees in this
area struggle with two problems which we would contend would be made worse if
this application was granted.
The first of
these is the problem of preloading. This is where late night revellers consume
the cheaper alcohol available from off-licences immediately prior to visiting
George Street clubs and bars.
The second of
these is the problem of customers smuggling alcohol purchased from off-licences
into licenced premises.
This premises a
located only some 20 metres from George Street and within less than minute
walking distance of one of the largest of the licensed premises in that street.
An off-licence
in this location operating until 10pm will, we contend, inevitably lead to more
drunkenness and undermine the licencing objectives.
We, therefore, are requesting the licencing committee restrict the
opening hours to 6pm when they are much less likely to impact late night
drinking on George Street,
