PROBLEMS caused by the concentration of late-night venues in Weymouth will lead to a review of the area’s special licensing status.

The town centre is designated as Dorset Council’s only Cumulative Impact Area, which has to be reviewed at least every three years.

Over the past two years many residents have started to kick back over the impact the town’s night economy has on their lives with an increase in objections to proposed changes in licences and to the way establishment are run.

There have been several cases where individual reviews have been held  – forcing licence holders to defend the management of their premises in public.

In rare cases hours have been cut back, extra noise prevention measures brought in and, in two notable cases licences taken away.

Dorset Echo: Dorset councillors have now voted to undertake a public consultation over whether or not to retain the Cumulative Impact Area with the findings to go back to a licensing committee and, from there, a recommendation to the full council.

To remove the Cumulative Impact Area designation is likely to result in less control over new licences and changes to existing licences.

Among the objective of the Licensing Act is that councils must consider the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance and the protection of children from harm.

Where a Cumulative Impact Area is designated there is a presumption that “any new applications, or applications to substantially alter existing permissions, will be refused unless the applicant can demonstrate to the Licensing Authority that the proposals will not add to the existing problems in the area.”

Service Manager for Licensing and Community Safety John Newcombe said that although there has been recent improvements problems still persist within the area. He added that the council has an interest in supporting responsible operators and helping them to thrive.

Weymouth councillor Brian Heatley said he would welcome the review because of the issues which arise from the concentration of late-night venues in such a compact area:  “The Cumulative Impact Area is important to people who live in the town centre of Weymouth because it at least helps make sure the situation gets no worse. I am keen on it and I am glad this consultation is going forward,” he said, a move supported by Dorchester councillor, Les Fry.

No date has yet been given for the public consultation although it could start within four weeks. Preliminary talks having already been held with the police with a view to getting the consultation underway as soon as possible.

Any recommendations which may follow from the exercise are expected to be considered by a licensing committee before Christmas and by the full council in the New Year, which means there is unlikely to be time for the recommended 12-week consultation period.