The introduction of a policy to limit the number of new premises licences granted in Spalding will not be considered again for at least another five months.
South Holland district councillors have been briefed on progress towards addressing the “cumulative impact” of a large number of licensed premises within a specific area.
Winsover Road is seen as one area of interest.
A cumulative impact policy – which makes a presumption of rebuttal of applications – was last considered in 2013 but independent experts said there was insufficient evidence to support one.
Licensing portfolio holder Coun Malcolm Chandler said that “the position of Lincolnshire Police was likely to be less supportive of a cumulative impact policy as it had been in the past due to a likely reduction in reported incidents”.
A further report might be available in October.
Spalding has seen several instances of crime in off-licences in recent months but Sgt Kim Enderby, of Lincolnshire Police’s alcohol licensing team, said: “A Cumulative Impact Zone is linked to anti-social behaviour rather than criminal activity.”
It is often difficult to link alcohol-related anti-social behaviour with sales from particular off-licences.
