Poll shows 90pc support move to restrict new off-licences opening
MORE THAN 90 per cent of people polled in a survey back moves to make it harder for new off-licenses to open in central Hull to try and curb increasing anti-social behaviour.
The survey carried out by Humberside Police found 92 per cent of those quizzed were in favour of a cumulative impact assessment (CIA) being introduced in a large area bordered by Spring Bank, Princes Avenue, Newland Avenue, Cottingham Road and Beverley Road.
Hull Council’s licensing committee will decide next week whether to bring in the CIA, which can be used to help limit the number and type of licence applications granted in areas where the mass sale of alcohol is causing problems.
Of the 505 people who responded to the survey earlier this year, 92 per cent thought a CIA would help. Sixty-five per cent said street-drinking caused problems ranging from anti-social behaviour, to litter and feeling intimidated. Begging and using the area as a public toilet also ranked high in public concerns.
A report by police giving evidence to support the CIA bid added: “Many people commented on the fact that there is often vomit on the pavements and they had been the victim of sexual advances or comments as they walked past street drinkers. Sexual activity was mentioned as well as danger from people just walking into roads.
“Businesses commented that they had been the victim of thefts or attempted thefts but had not reported this to police as they didn’t think it would be looked into. Many customers and clients had stated that they felt intimidated.”
Last week councillors adjourned an application for a new alcohol licence on Beverley Road for the CIA to be decided.
Lib Dem group leader Mike Ross, who supports the move, said a lot of the problems on Beverley Road were being caused by factory workers waiting to be picked up by cars and minibuses.
“Clearly the availability of cheap alcohol contributes to it,” he said. “Anything that helps tackle that and makes it harder for it to be accessed in our view has to be considered.”
But he warned that it would not be a “cure all.”
Newland Residents Association also backed the move saying: “Fifteen years too late but better late than never.”
A couple from the Avenues, who wrote to the council as part of a consultation, said they had witnessed alcohol-fuelled violence and the “now all too familiar acts of drunken men treating the street as a toilet”.
They said: “The very least that a responsible local authority could do would be to support this application and demonstrate genuine care for people who live and work in the area and for the city of Hull itself.”