Strict rules set by the council preventing new bars and pubs from opening in the city centre could soon change. Bristol City Council is consulting the public on changes to its cumulative impact area policy, which is a huge hurdle for anybody trying to open a licensed premises.
The CIA policy makes it much harder for businesses to get new premises licences to sell alcohol or serve hot food late at night. City Hall chiefs and the police believe that each new late-night premises adds to the chance of crime or anti-social behaviour taking place.
Licensed premises include places which sell alcohol, provide hot food after 11pm, or where sports, music and performance take place. The CIA covers the city centre, including Stokes Croft, Park Street and the Triangle — but others also used to exist in Clifton, Gloucester Road, Whiteladies Road, Bedminster and Southville.
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A council spokesman said: “In some areas of Bristol, the large number of licensed venues results in many people congregating in certain areas. This can cause problems such as crime, disorder and public nuisance.
“A CIA helps to manage the number, type and density of licensed premises within an area. You can tell us if you think the existing CIA should be kept as it is or removed altogether, or about any changes you think are needed. You can also suggest other areas of the city where you think a CIA might be beneficial.”
The CIA rule works by presuming that the council would refuse any application for a new licensed premises — such as a pub or takeaway — unless the business can prove they would not add to problems with crime, disorder and public nuisance. New places can still open sometimes, but some experts believe the policy favours larger chains rather than independent venues.
One recent example of the CIA policy in effect was Taka Taka, the popular Greek takeaway chain. Taka Taka wanted to extend the opening hours in its restaurant on Broad Quay in the Centre, but Avon and Somerset Police unsuccessfully objected to their application — based on the idea that an increase in customers late at night would add to crime in the area.
People wishing to respond to the new consultation must do so by September 21. A final decision on any changes will be taken by the licensing committee either late this year or early next year. If the council decides to keep the CIA, it will be reviewed every three years. The CIA being consulted on would be in place from 2024 to 2027.
Labour Councillor Marley Bennet, who sits on the licensing committee, tweeted: “CIA areas are considered at saturation point and create a presumption to refuse new applications for late night entertainment. We currently have one CIA covering the city centre.”
