Fylde Council has concluded an extensive public consultation into licensing in Lytham town centre, deciding not to introduce a Cumulative Impact Policy (CIP) but taking meaningful steps to better protect residents and strengthen how future licence applications are assessed.
Following a consultation that attracted 443 responses from residents, businesses and partner organisations – including two open drop-in sessions held in Lytham to ensure everyone had their say – the Council’s Licensing Committee considered the evidence carefully before reaching its decision on Wednesday 11 March.
Whilst the consultation revealed genuine concerns from residents about the night-time economy in the Henry Street and Clifton Street area, crime and disorder statistics gathered from Lancashire Constabulary and the Community Safety Partnership do not currently meet the evidential threshold required to introduce a CIP. Lancashire Constabulary’s own licensing team confirmed that the area has benefitted from increased police presence through the enhanced Nightsafe scheme, which is helping to prevent crime and build public confidence.
To ensure residents’ voices are not simply set aside, the Council will update its Statement of Licensing Policy to include clear advisory expectations for licence applicants operating in the area, covering matters such as door supervision, use of safer drinking vessels and enhanced controls during major events.
Councillor Chris Dixon, Lead Member for Social Wellbeing, said: “We’ve listened carefully to everyone who took the time to share their views, and this community deserves a response that is both honest and effective. Introducing a Cumulative Impact Policy without the evidence to back it up would not stand up to challenge and could ultimately do more harm than good. Instead, we’re using everything this consultation has taught us to set higher expectations of businesses in this area and give our residents real, lasting reassurance.
The updated Statement of Licensing Policy will be brought forward for consideration at Full Council in due course.
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