All bets are off in coastal towns
COUNCIL CLAMPDOWN ON CASINOS AND NEW BARS
CASINOS, bars, pubs and clubs will remain subject of a council clampdown in North Tyneside.
A ban on any casinos opening in the borough has been extended for another three years, after winning the unanimous approval of councillors on Thursday night.
The block on casinos has been in place since 2015, but had been due to expire next January.
Meanwhile, restrictions on any new drinking venues opening in popular parts of Tynemouth and Whitley Bay will also remain in place.
There was also unanimous backing for a continued freeze on granting new premises licences in the areas around South Parade in Whitley Bay and Tynemouth’s Front Street, as part of efforts to tackle crime and antisocial behaviour in the seaside towns.
While redesignating the two zones as ‘cumulative impact areas’ does not make it impossible for new venues to open, the council’s default position will be to refuse any applications unless exceptional circumstances can be demonstrated.
Police data has pinpointed a spike in crime in both towns at weekends “likely due to the night-time economy since the increase is from midnight till 2am on the Sunday morning”. Tynemouth councillor Sarah Day said that the restriction “has been welcome for a number of years”. Whitley Bay representative John O’Shea added: “I echo the statements made about the impact area being continued in Tynemouth, I’m sure they will welcome that - but also in Whitley Bay.
“It has been very successful over the past five years in Whitley Bay in combating anti-social behaviour and other criminal behaviour.”
Of the 22 consultation responses on the ‘no casino’ resolution, 20 consultees said that they were in favour of the ban. One resident said: “The council should pass a no casino policy as Newcastle has them so they are not needed in North Tyneside. Gambling can cause serious problems which can lead to people getting in debt.”
Another added: “A casino would spoil the borough, particularly Whitley Bay as this is now becoming a family friendly place.”
A casino would spoil the borough, particularly Whitley Bay as this is now becoming a family friendly place