Issue - meetings

Bromley Town ward

Report ES15026

The Committee received a report advising them of developing issues regarding alcohol-related crime in Bromley town centre, which had been designated a cumulative impact area. The Metropolitan Police had reported a London-wide increase in crime associated with the late night economy, but local police believed that the increase in Bromley town centre was disproportionate. Additional charts showing the impact of licensing changes from February 2014 onwards on crime levels were circulated. These showed that a large increase in crime could be attributed to additional late night licenses.

A ward Councillor, Councillor Michael Rutherford, had appealed to the Committee to support the night time economy and not to impose a general tightening of the licensing regime.

The Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Safety also urged that no additional general restrictions be imposed and advised the Committee that he would be meeting with the Borough Commander and pressing for sufficient Police resources to be available to deal with the issues arising from the small number of establishments linked to the problems. While some Members wanted to see action taken through the licensing regime to prevent more crime, the Committee considered that this was largely a matter for police enforcement and decided not to adopt a stricter approach to new or amended licenses.

RESOLVED that the contents of the report be noted.