Drinking at 'saturation' point

Paul R Taylor

August 29, 2007

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CITY CENTRE: Saturation point

LICENSEES could be barred from opening new pubs, clubs and bars in certain `saturated' areas of Manchester centre.

The council is considering `saturation zones' to combat noise and disorder created by bar-hopping revellers.

In the zones - in areas such as the Northern Quarter, Canal Street and Piccadilly - new licensees would have to prove their businesses would not have a negative impact.

Existing premises would also face an uphill struggle to get extended opening hours.

The areas, also called `stress zones' have been established in several London boroughs after complaints from residents.

Coun Marc Ramsbottom said: "In saturation zones there is a presumption against granting any further licences, or extensions to existing licences.

Disruption

"Residents have complained to me about night-time noise and disruption where there is a high concentration of bars.

"The Licensing Act helps the council and police target individual premises, but often it is just the sheer number of venues creating a problem. We think that there is a strong case for the zones."

At the moment, it is up to residents, the police and other organisations to object to any applications.

The council is currently conducting a three-year review of its licensing policy, which aims to prevent crime and disorder, ensure public safety, prevent public nuisance and protect children.

Environmental services boss Rachel Christie said: "We are considering `special policy areas' as part of a wider response to a high concentration of licensed premises.

"The views of residents, businesses and other stakeholders are very important to us and responses can be made via email or post before November 1."

Applications from off-licences, supermarkets and restaurants would also be affected. Residents say the smoking ban has compounded problems, with smokers forced outside.

Phil Burke, chairman of the Manchester Pub and Club Network, which represents 600 licensees across the city, said they were against the idea and added: "These zones would limit the amount of investment coming into areas of the city centre.

Investment

"We need a vibrant 24-hour city and these areas, such as the Northern Quarter, need this investment.

"It would be detrimental to businesses and the city.

"Developers might not invest in new buildings if they know they will not be allowed to open hotel bars, bars or restaurants on the site. It could make investors think twice."

To comment on the consultation email mailto:licensing@manchester.gov.uk or write to The Licensing Unit, Neighbourhood Services, PO Box 271, Manchester, M18 8YU.

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deephouse, whitefield (29/08/2007 at 08:03)

always amazes me these people who buy an apartment above a club or bar and then complain about the noise.

Giles (29/08/2007 at 08:32)

Deephouse. I once bought a brand new apartment above an empty space that the developers told residents would be 'an upmarket cafe bar'. We were all re-assured that they soundproofing was over and above the legal minimum.

After a year the council gave permission for a trashy bar to open up there instead, despite all residents objecting to it. It played incredibly loud music, despite there only being about ten people in the place apart from at weekends and the soundproofing was ineffective.

It used to close at 11pm, then before long 2am and they wanted a licence to close at 4am.

The bar/club eventually closed and now it is to open as a 'gentlemens club'.

Not everyone buys above one of these noisy places, they come afterwards.

Fortunately I moved out a long time ago.

SamV, Manchester (29/08/2007 at 08:48)

The trouble with this "24 hour" culture is that it only ever seems to apply to drinking. Wheres the 24 hour shopping? where can I get my laundry done at 3am? where can I get a decent meal after midnight without being surrounded by drunks?
Most UK hotels don't even have 24 hour room service which isn't great when you arrive late and want something good to eat before getting some sleep!

AH, Manchester (29/08/2007 at 10:19)

who has the money to spend out drinking 24 hours a day?

Happyblue, Failsworth (29/08/2007 at 10:53)

If you don't like the city centre at night don't move there,simple,24 hour drinking is a good thing i can have a pint before and after work !

ace, manchester (29/08/2007 at 11:16)

Yet another MCC idea 24 hour drinking? Its time to get control back from the idiots who run our council.These people was advised at the time that 24 hour drinking would cause these problems but as usual the council didnt listen.they just do what they want.Drinking needs controlling once again and the clubs and pubs owners need a look at and landlords etc who keep causing these problems should be refused a licence.

Giles (29/08/2007 at 11:19)

It is fine to live in the city centre but most blocks of apartments have spare retail units underneath. In one of my places the units were designated for a doctors surgery and a covenience store. It is now going to be a car showroom and a bar. Developers say one thing and then change their plans once they have flooged them to the residenst and the council gladly complies.

Happyblue, Failsworth (29/08/2007 at 11:35)

There was evidense suggesting that it would reduce,alcahol fuelled violence,there is a study ongoing to find out if it has or has not.

ace, manchester (29/08/2007 at 11:43)

Giles
Thats MCC idea to give planning permission on these units.These units should only be allowed to open with the original planning orders.For the sake of the residents who buy these appartments.

Peter (29/08/2007 at 11:55)

Twenty years ago, I can remember wandering around the city centre on a Sunday night trying to find a pub that was OPEN!. How times change!
Peter, Eccles

Peter (29/08/2007 at 11:59)

AH, Manchester. I will tell you who has the money to drink 24 hours a day. All the layabouts and spongers this government have created

Happyblue, Failsworth (29/08/2007 at 12:07)

Peter,you poor creature,I wasn't born 20 years ago,and now you have disclosed that piece of infomation,i'm quite glad,no pubs,does not bear thinking about.

Peter (29/08/2007 at 12:13)

Happyblue, people were a lot soberer then!

Happyblue, Failsworth (29/08/2007 at 12:19)

PEOPLE WEREN'T AS STRESSED THEN ! I DON'T KNOW WHAT THE QUESTION WAS BUT ALCAHOL IS THE ANSWER !

Peter (29/08/2007 at 12:32)

Happyblue, ever thought of spending a couple of weeks in a nice rehab place?

Peter (29/08/2007 at 12:37)

Mike, are you talking about the Manchester city centre in Britain? or the one in the USA?

Login, Manchester (29/08/2007 at 13:38)

Licenses are considered on individual circumstances and this is sensible. To impose quotas stiffles the local micro-economies with sweeping, narrow minded and unflexible guidelines.

If a street has too many bars all the council need do is refuse a license application under the grounds that there are too many establishments in the area. This alone will discourage similar applications.

However if instead you put a blanket ban on new licenses on that street and an existing cafe wants to serve wine with their afternoon meals, they can't because th quota has been exceeded.

And for the record the Northern Quarter is not even close to being saturated with bars. The junction by Odd and Bluu maybe bulging but the vast majority of the NQ still has many empty units and does not need to be limited by someone who chose to live above a pub. Its just a case of letting the right kind of establishments breed, rather than the chav magnets.

Happyblue, Failsworth (29/08/2007 at 13:59)

They tried to make go to reahab but a said no no no !
Could do with a break,come to think of it !

Peter (29/08/2007 at 19:58)

Happyblue, Amy Winehouse said no,no.no. But you should say yes,yes,yes.

alvinlwh (30/08/2007 at 09:18)

They should open more 24 hours joints and more people can drink, themselves to death! Problem solved. Once they are dead, there will be no more social problems.

Newton Heath F.C. (31/08/2007 at 04:42)

If you drink you will die,if you don't drink you will die,so it's better to be drunk than be sober when you die.......

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