Police oppose late-night drinking

1:06am Thursday 1st November 2007

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SOUTHEND could see an influx of late-opening bars and clubs as the council looks likely to drop a restrictive licensing policy.

However, police are opposed to the move as they believe the policy has helped reduce antisocial behaviour and drink-fuelled violence in the town centre.

In 2005, Southend Council agreed to a "cumulative impact" policy for the town centre and Golden Mile - which recognised the problems several bars in one area could cause, and placed a limit on the number of licences in those areas.

In a report to be considered by the council's cabinet on Tuesday, environment director Andy Lewis said police wanted to retain the current controls but were unable to provide any substantial evidence to support their views.

He said: "The police have indicated in 2006/07, crime within the central wards of Victoria, Milton and Kursaal was reduced by 13 per cent, compared with the previous year."

However, he said officers could not prove there was a drop in crime in the evenings as a result of the policy.

Mr Lewis said the police's argument for retaining the policy had also been undermined by the number of exceptions to it which had already been agreed, such as later licences.

The decision which first undermined it was in August, 2006, when Bakers Bar, in Alexandra Street, won an extension of its opening hours until 5am.

Mr Lewis said: "Subsequently, several major establishments sought and obtained extensions to permitted hours beyond the traditional 2am closing time.

"Some applications have been resolved without a formal hearing, after the imposition of a range of detailed conditions were sought and agreed with the police."

Supt Steve Worron, of Southend Police, said he felt it would not be appropriate to comment on the situation in detail at the moment.

He said: "To me, the important thing is whether the policy remains or not, violent crime and antisocial behaviour is down in the town centre and we have a better relationship with the licensed trade."