Bar curb policy could extend to 'vibrant' suburb

7:00pm Thursday 20th September 2007

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A TOUGH new policy that makes it much more difficult for new bars, pubs and restaurants to open is being considered for Charminster in Bournemouth.

The area, which is especially popular with foreign students, could be made the subject of a cumulative impact statement.

This would mean no more licensed premises would be able to open in Charminster unless they could specifically prove they would not increase public disorder.

Bournemouth town centre is currently the only place in Dorset affected by this policy, where it has already been used to prevent an additional off-licence opening in St Peter's Road.

Town centre Inspector Neil MacBean said there had been a massive increase in licensed premises in Charminster and police were currently considering whether a cumulative impact statement would prevent it from becoming plagued with antisocial behaviour.

He said: "Charminster has grown into possibly a secondary area for the night-time economy within the borough. It's quite a busy vibrant area at night.

"Although it has nothing like the problems that the town centre experiences, obviously there are one or two problems and we are looking at whether we need to ask for a cumulative impact statement from the council."

He said the policy covering the town centre was "a useful tool" in stamping out drink-related public disorder.

"If we intervene at an early stage to set out boundaries, we will keep it as a lovely vibrant place," he said.

A spokesperson for Bournemouth council said members of the licensing board would consider any request made by Dorset Police.