| Proposed Saturation Policy in Southwark |
 Southwark Council have recently undertaken a consultation on the introduction of a new licensing policy called a Saturation Zone in a designated part of the borough which, in the BID area, covers The Cut and Blackfriars Road.
Saturation Zones were introduced through the Licensing Act in 2005, as a response to crime and disorder and nuisance problems arising from the cumulative affect of having a number of licensed premises operating in close proximity to each other in a small area.
When a saturation policy is in place, instead of an applicant having an entitlement to a license, unless there is a good reason not to grant it, they must first demonstrate that the grant of the application will not add to the existing problems. It is important to note that this does not mean that no further licenses will be granted, or that quotas will be introduced.
A saturation zone is only introduced where there is evidence to show that it is ‘appropriate and necessary’ to introduce a policy to control the growth of licensed premises, and during the consultation interested parties were asked to comment on this.
Waterloo Quarter didn’t feel that a saturation zone was appropriate for The Cut or Blackfriars Road and submitted a response outlining concerns that a policy to control the number of licensed premises could impact negatively on the area because we believe that well managed licensed premises add to the character and vibrancy of Waterloo.
The Cut is now thriving and this is due in part to the positive contribution made by the high quality pubs, bars and restaurants which make the street a place that people want to visit and spend time. Southwark Council will now consider all of the responses and in due course will make a decision on whether this policy will be introduced.
If you have any questions, please contact Katie Lindsay on 020 7620 1309 or klindsay@waterlooquarter.org.
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