The Licensing Manager reported upon the outcome of the public consultation undertaken in response to a request received to amend the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy to include a Special Cumulative Impact Policy for an area of Birkenhead which was specified on the map attached to the report.

The Licensing Manager referred to the responses received in respect of the consultation which had been provided to Members and outlined the matters to be considered by the Licensing Authority when considering whether to adopt a Special Policy relating to cumulative impact which were stated within the Guidance issued under Section 182 of the Licensing Act 2003.

Sergeant K Wilkinson from Merseyside Police who had been the duty inspector who had submitted the request from Merseyside Police during the consultation period attended the meeting and gave a presentation in respect of why Merseyside Police considered it necessary and appropriate for the Council’s Licensing Policy to be amended to include a Special Cumulative Impact Policy.

Sergeant Wilkinson reported upon the alcohol related anti-social behaviour in Wirral over the past month and advised that the majority of calls were within the area of the proposed Special Cumulative Impact Policy and its surroundings.

Sergeant Wilkinson informed Members that the Birkenhead and Tranmere areas accounted for 25% of the reported Domestic Violence assaults within Wirral where alcohol was believed to be a contributing factor.  She further advised that after speaking with local residents, 75% believed they suffered from anti-social behaviour in their area and 71% believed that licensed premises contributed to this.  She also referred to a number of comments made by the community in respect of anti-social behaviour they had experienced.

In response to questions from Members, Sergeant Wilkinson confirmed that a number of different computer sources were used in response to crimes reported by members of the public and it was indicated on the system whether alcohol had been involved.  She also advised that alongside these reports, emails had also been received from Councillors, town hosts and other organisations expressing concerns regarding the contribution of alcohol to anti social behaviour and the number of off licences in Birkenhead.  Sergeant Wilkinson informed Members that there had been ongoing communication from Merseyside Police with shop keepers, town hosts and Councillors and also attendance at residents meetings and that press releases had been carried out.

Ward Councillor Jean Stapleton addressed the Committee and expressed her support in respect of the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy being amended to include a Special Cumulative Impact Policy for the area of Birkenhead as outlined by Merseyside Police.

Members expressed their support in respect of the requested Special Cumulative Impact Policy being adopted and believed it would assist in preventing problems of anti-social behaviour linked to alcohol in the area specified in the map which had been identified by Merseyside Police.

The Chair thanked Sergeant Wilkinson for her presentation.

It was moved by Councillor A Hodson and seconded by Councillor D Mitchell that –

“It be recommended for approval by Council that the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy be amended to include a Special Cumulative Impact Policy for the specified area in Birkenhead as identified by Merseyside Police.”

Resolved – That it be recommended for approval by Council that the Council’s Statement of Licensing Policy be amended to include a Special Cumulative Impact Policy for the specified area in Birkenhead as identified by Merseyside Police.