Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy 2021-2026 (Cumulative Impact Area Review)

Overview

The Licensing Act 2003 came into effect on 25 November 2005. The Act introduced a regime for the licensing of alcohol, regulated entertainment and late night refreshment, to be administered by the local licensing authority.

Under the Act, cumulative impact is the potential impact on the promotion of the licensing objectives of a significant number of licensed premises concentrated in one geographical area, which goes beyond that which can be dealt with via premises-specific enforcement.  The Cumulative Impact Areas (CIAs) are locations which the Council has identified as experiencing cumulative impact and to which a CIA Policy will apply.

Now we are seeking your views on the current CIAs and if any changes to the existing Policy are required.

Why your views matter

The CIA policy places a presumption that any new licensed premises within the defined areas would have a rebuttable presumption against the grant of the licence or the variation of the licence to increase the capacity or hours of the premises. The policy did allow for an exception if the applicant could demonstrate that the premises operation would not adversely impact the intention of the policy and add to the CIA.

The implementation and assessment of a CIA Policy must be based on data specific to alcohol-related crime.  The Policy is to be kept under review, but is statutorily required to be reviewed every 3 years.

The CIAs were introduced to support the Southwark Statement of Licensing Policy aims of reducing the negative impact of alcohol on residents, visitors and businesses in the borough.

Three CIAs were introduced between 2008 and 2011, in the areas of Borough and Bankside (2011), Camberwell (2008) and Peckham (2009). There are also three monitoring areas at Elephant & Castle, Walworth and Old Kent Road, which have been monitored since 2011.  The monitoring areas are locations that did not yet warrant a CIA but where alcohol related disorder was still a potential issue.

Privacy notice

Any changes to the Southwark Licensing Policy must follow a statutory consultation. The Council is required to consult on its Statement of Licensing Policy under the Licensing Act 2003. 

The information received will only be used for the purposes of this consultation and Licensing Team.

Any personal data will be destroyed one year after the consultation is completed.

Anonymised responses will be used in a published public document to report to the Licensing Committee and full Council Assembly.