BASSETLAW’S NIGHT TIME ECONOMY STRATEGY
Introduction
Improving the management of the night time economy and promoting diversity in the
provision of entertainment available is an important part of economic growth in town
centres. A successful night time economy needs accessibility, cleanliness, choice,
ambience, and safety - the same as the day time economy.
Evidence suggests that town centres with lively streets and people moving around in
them make people feel safer. However, this relies on a controlled and managed
approach in particular to the evening and night time economy. If not controlled properly
then the focus can descend into a heavy drinking culture which in turn can lead to
negative consequences related to crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
Supporting a culture which promotes responsible behaviour, reinforces better standards
in our existing established day time economy and encourages similar high standards for
our night time economy will result in numerous benefits for our towns.
Our ultimate aim is to see an increase in the choice and availability of services for
visitors and residents alike, create a feeling of safety within our town centres and
encourage greater diversity and vibrancy within them.
Vision
The vision for the Bassetlaw Night Time Economy is to:
Support a thriving and safe evening and night time economy in our towns
What is the Evening and Late Night Economy?
We aim to see our town centres become active and vibrant through the day, evening
and into the night in a way which people would like and is consistent with the offer our
towns can attract. We need to bridge the gap between the already established daytime
night time economy and work towards creating and facilitating improvements. We need
to work with our partners to ensure our town centres are clean, safe and secure for all
who wish to visit them. We need to work with existing businesses to encourage
responsible and improved standards in licensed premises and to reinforce these
approaches to new businesses when we consider licensing applications.
At the moment as shops begin to close normally between 5.00pm and 6.00pm town
centres remain empty until people begin to frequent pubs, bars and restaurants. The
main activity in our principal towns of Retford and Worksop is on Friday and Saturday
evenings into the late night. The exception is the Savoy Cinema in Worksop which
attracts business across the full week, with a clientele of all ages and from across the
economic spectrum.
The economy can be broadly split into three phases which provide different offers that
appeal to different market segments:
• The Day Time Economy (7.00am – 5.00pm)
• The Evening Economy (5.00pm – 10.00pm)
• The Late Night Economy (10.00pm onwards)
This strategy and supporting action plan will focus upon the evening and late night
economies, the period between 5.00pm in the evening until closing time in the early
hours of the morning. However reference will be made to town centres in general.
Key Principles
The key principles which underpin our approach are to:
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Ensure the vision for the Night Time Economy is the reference point
Provide clear leadership in our approach to drink, drugs and anti-social
behaviour
Recognise the contribution a vibrant NTE makes to the locality and local
economy
Aim for 10.00 pm - 2.00 am as our Late Night Economy
Encourage improvement in the Evening Economy
Encourage a diverse mix of people to come into our town centres
Make public safety pivotal to a thriving Night Time Economy
Maintain public order to allow businesses to grow
Strongly support the effective interpretation of the Statement of Licensing
Policy
Make proactive use of Licensing conditions to deal with problem premises
Recognise the more alcohol available on the high street the more
monitoring and enforcement is required – balance the mix
Encourage partnership and participation with businesses and licensees
Support responsible drinking initiatives and take action to tackle alcohol
abuse
Support improvement of health outcomes through tackling irresponsible
drinking
Reinforce our expectation that standards of behaviour in licensed
premises and in town centres must improve
Deliver strong town centre management
Ensure Planning remains a part of enabling high street changes
Encourage a greater mix and quality of offer i.e. places to eat, leisure,
culture
Work with partners and recognise their value to secure success
Listen to public opinion.
Background and National Context
Much work has been done nationally on trying to understand the impact of the night time
economy on alcohol related issues since changes to the Licensing Act were first
introduced. The Night Time Economy (NTE) is a complex issue to tackle as it involves a
broad range of agencies to deal with the impact of alcohol on crime, disorder and public
nuisance as well as the impact on personal safety and health & wellbeing.
The Council has a key strategic responsibility in respect of defining and then facilitating
the development and management of the daytime, evening and late night economies
through its Planning, Environmental Health, Licensing and Anti-Social Behaviour powers
together with wider responsibilities in relation to Town Centre Management and
Economic Regeneration.
In addition, as Community Leaders the Council has a key responsibility for influencing a
successful and vibrant NTE by working with partner agencies to ensure that the negative
effects of alcohol related issues are effectively tackled. There has to be a balance
between regulation and enforcement to help create safer and more sociable places in
town centres through the evening and night time. Therefore a range of partners have
been involved in the process leading to the development of this strategy as success is
dependent upon the collective efforts of all agencies involved
As a starting point some key national facts were considered:
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In 2012 NTE was worth some £66 billion in the UK representing 4.3% of
the economy as a whole
1.3 million people were employed in businesses related to the NTE
Alcohol related crime cost between £8 - £13 billion
40% of emergency cases related to alcohol related health issues
A successful NTE in Bassetlaw should positively influence:
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An increase in £worth locally through improving and expanding the offer *
An increase in local employment and training
A reduction in alcohol related crime and the costs associated with tackling
it
A % reduction in emergency cases relating to alcohol related health issues
* Actual values have not been quantified for Bassetlaw
The local context must also be considered and problems and challenges we face locally
should remain at the heart of our aspirations. There are many examples across the
country of approaches adopted which have led to successful outcomes in relation to
tackling problems and improving the NTE. However a national “one size fits all
approach” is not advocated but a local approach acknowledging the unique nature of
Bassetlaw in particular the diversity of Worksop and Retford using best practise to
encourage innovation in our approach. It must be recognised that the relative value of
the NTE as a proportion of the local economy as a whole is small and there is pressure
to help create local growth across the entire Bassetlaw economy. However through
ensuring that issues of safety, cleanliness and ambience are tackled we can help create
the conditions necessary to support local growth in the NTE.
The Local Context
The Bassetlaw District is situated in the north of Nottinghamshire. The District borders
South Yorkshire to the north, Lincolnshire to the east and Derbyshire to the west. These
boundary issues have to be recognised within the context of the District’s night time
economy. The night time offer in Bassetlaw competes with the more diverse offer
available in Sheffield, Nottingham, Doncaster and Lincoln.
Bassetlaw has two principal towns in Worksop and Retford both have established late
night economies and both are recognised service hubs for the surrounding network of
villages.
The Local Offer
In addition to the usual bars and restaurants both Retford and Worksop have high
quality leisure centres and other community facilities/venues which offer opportunities for
leisure and cultural activities to our resident and visitors.
Worksop has achieved a renaissance in recent years and is now a more attractive place
to visit. The highly successful market, which operates in the daytime, has a beneficial
effect on the town's reputation. For the evening economy, the arrival of the Savoy
Cinema has been very positive in providing a high quality alternative evening offer. This
is in addition to improvements to the infrastructure of Bridge Street and the creation of a
new Civic square adjacent to the cinema which greatly enhances the environmental
appeal of the vicinity near to Queens Buildings and the Town Hall. The Council has also
invested heavily in a new digital CCTV service and continues to support and promote
the Pubwatch scheme. Worksop Business Forum is now an officially constituted body
and has been granted significant resources by the Council to focus on community led
local developments to further improve the offer in the towns. The town has recently
established a Civic Society with the ambition of promoting the town and surrounding
villages, influence future development and contribute to improving places in and around
Worksop.
We are not complacent and further work still needs to be done in terms of diversifying
the night time offer, improving the control of undesirable behaviour and improving the
reputation of the town.
Retford has a different reputation and offer to Worksop. The town has a fairly stable
retail offer with an interesting mix of sole traders and more familiar high street stores
trading side by side. The town is proactively supported by the local business community
via the formally constituted Retford Business Forum which is now a registered
community interest company. Local initiatives that they support include a monthly
farmers market, Totally Locally and running a variety of events such as FiverFest plus
various other themed events. It is acknowledged that most of the activities are geared
around the day time economy. The town is also supported by a very active Civic Society
that seeks to protect the architectural / natural environment of Retford, and to improve
Retford's public amenities for present and future generations. One of the ways the Society
improves the appeal of the town is through is annual Bassetlaw in Bloom competition which
is supported by local shops and businesses.
The night time economy crime & disorder issues are not as pronounced as Worksop and
there are some emerging signs of the economy growing in this area. For example, Deli
and Dine offer some evening openings, the White Hart public house is being extensively
refurbished and will open imminently. There are a small number of hotels including the
West Retford Hotel which is close to the town centre. However the absence of hotels
and venues within the town centre still makes Retford a limited appeal for the evening
offer so there is scope for improvement.
Public views and opinions
An important part of formulating the strategy has been to seek public views and opinions
concerning the evening and night time amenities, entertainments and leisure facilities in
the local towns of Worksop and Retford. An on-line survey was made available which
was widely promoted through a poster campaign distributed in conjunction with the
Pubwatch scheme, local businesses, theatres, North Nottinghamshire College and the
Savoy Cinema in Worksop. The survey featured prominently in both the Worksop
Guardian and Retford Times and the poster included a QR scan code for those in the
vicinity to immediately access the survey. The survey ran from mid-August through to
mid-October 2013.
Whilst the quantitative survey results provide statistically reliable data, the qualitative
results and additional comments offered are illustrative rather than statistically reliable.
However, they provide a useful insight into public perception of our town centres at night
and what needs to be tackled to improve the night time offer.
Overall the survey results tell us, in the broadest sense, that 78% visit the Towns for the
pubs/restaurants, with 52% visiting for the Savoy Cinema, and 22% for theatre/comedy/
music.
69% of respondents not visiting Worksop for a night out and 56% of respondents that do
not visit Retford, seek their evening entertainment by visiting places elsewhere such as
Sheffield, Doncaster or Nottingham. The additional comments support a view that a
better variety of entertainment and restaurants are required together with more ‘family
friendly’ eateries perhaps with a location close by to the cinema.
Top responses as to what might encourage people to visit the Towns more often are
55% would like to see more theatre/music/comedy, 41% would like an increased Police
presence and 44% more ‘family friendly’ options.
Crucially, fear of crime/ASB, other people’s behaviour and “yobbish” behaviour feature
heavily as top responses as to what constitutes their avoidance/prevention of visiting the
Towns with results of 63%, 67% and 85% respectively.
64% of those asked about the Worksop evening entertainment found this to be either
poor or very poor compared to 34% of those asked the same question about Retford.
The consultation provides some clear messages and highlights significantly matters
considered most important of those asked. Principally, the behaviour of others and
personal safety of visitors to the Towns are vital themes emerging. In addition, licensed
premises have attracted criticism both in respect of variety and ambience but also in
standards of behaviour of people in and around these premises. Standards must be
raised if the negative reputational issues associated with these aspects are to be
addressed effectively.
Licensing Responsibilities
Bassetlaw District Council is a Licensing Authority for the purpose of the Licensing Act
2003. Section 5 of the Act requires all licensing authorities to prepare and publish a
Statement of Licensing Policy that they propose to apply in exercising their functions
under the Act during the five year period to which the policy applies. The next five year
period commences on 4th January 2014.
The Council recognises that licensed premises in the district are a major contributor to
the fabric of the district, attracting tourists and visitors and making for vibrant towns and
communities. The Council also recognises the problems that can be caused if licensed
activities are not properly managed and premises well run.
The Statement of Licensing Policy therefore seeks to establish sensible controls and
appropriate guidance to encourage and further the efforts that are being made by the
Council and its partners together with the licensed trade to help the Authority deal with
issues that arise from licensable activities.
All licensing functions are dealt with by the Licensing Committee through application and
interpretation of the Statement of Licensing Policy and the legislative framework which
guides the work of the Committee. This strategy therefore does not seek to conflict or
contradict the statutory duty. It seeks to clearly articulate the principles we wish to adopt
and the standards we expect of our licence holders in support of our Night Time
Economy vision. The standards expected of license holders will be clearly articulated
and reinforced as part of licensing conditions through reference to this strategy.
Licence holders have specific responsibilities for preventing anti-social behaviour on
and within the vicinity of their premises. The Council has a statutory duty under the
Crime and Disorder Act 1998 to do all it can to prevent crime and disorder in the
District. Local Crime Prevention strategies are vitally important to clarify the approach
we are taking in partnership with the police and which will be referenced as part of
licensing conditions. The Night Time Economy Strategy will be referenced as one of
those strategies.
Late Night Economy Hours
Licensing hours are staggered in line with the Statement of Licensing Policy to manage
the flow of people exiting premises and to minimise crime & disorder. The Late Night
Economy Hours are therefore established through the licences granted which currently
run until 5.00 am in Worksop and 4.00 am in Retford.
Footfall has reduced steadily over a number of years in both town centres but is most
pronounced in Worksop with typically less than 1000 people deemed to be going out in
the town on Friday and Saturday nights. Those people asked who have been in the town
centres at night suggest the clientele tends to be the same so the NTE offer is not
attracting new people or diverse groups of people it is merely maintaining the hard core
of those who are clearly happy with what is on offer. The evidence therefore points to
Late Night Economy Hours having evolved to maintain a shrinking business base rather
than support a vibrant and safe Night Time Economy. The negative impact to people’s
lives of the extended hours to 4.00 am and 5.00 am in relation to music and noise has
been brought to public attention by those residents living close to the town centre. The
overall view is that the situation is unsustainable either for the businesses to remain
viable or for the town itself.
We need to support the viability and safety of both our town centres to attract new
businesses and to ensure existing businesses remain open and can sustain themselves
whilst working towards an overall reduction in the Late Night Economy hours. This can
be achieved through the licence holders themselves seeking to vary the current
operating hours and ensuring new licensees are aware of the hours we are seeking to
achieve.
As the Licensing authority there is an alternative option through the application of an
Early Morning Restriction Order (EMRO). An EMRO restricts the sales of alcohol in the
whole or a part of the District for any specified period between midnight and 6.00 am. It
applies to all premises licences, club premises certificates and temporary event notices
that operate within the specified EMRO period. Clearly this approach would not be taken
without clear justification and a legal process would need to be followed before its
introduction however we are determined to consider this opportunity if we were not to see
positive moves from key licensed premises.
Safety
According to Nottinghamshire Police, violence in the NTE is classified as occurring
between 18:00 and 05:59 and occurring in the following premise types: bingo hall, fast
food, hotels/guest houses, off licences, public house/clubs, restaurants, youth
centres/clubs or occurring on specific beats. For Bassetlaw, those beats are listed as
Retford Town Centre and Worksop Town Centre.
Whilst Bassetlaw District has more recorded violence than the most similar areas across
the country with which it is compared, it has lower recorded violence than other areas
with large towns in the region.
Included in the category of ‘violence’ are violence with injury (including murder and
racially aggravated serious assaults), violence without injury (assaults without injury and
public order offences such as harassment), sexual offences and robbery. Whilst more
serious violence makes up a small proportion of the total amount of violence occurring,
its impact is often keenly felt within the community.
Key findings from the Home Office report entitled “Violence in the night-time economy:
key findings from the research” included:
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The peak time for violent offending is weekend nights and the peak location is in
and around pubs and clubs.
Violence in the night-time economy typically involves young males who do not
know each other well. Resulting injuries are often facial, some of which are
‘glassings’.
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Most incidents involve drinking by the offender, victim or both.
Alcohol contributes to violence in many direct and indirect ways.
Factors associated with violence in high-risk pubs and clubs include inconvenient
access routes, poor ventilation, overcrowding, and permissive social
environments, communicated through pub/club policies and staff behaviour.
Violence outside venues may be associated with large numbers of intoxicated
people congregating and competing for limited food and transport facilities.
These findings have been supported by local research, as well as other regional
and national studies, such as, the UCL Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science
report entitled “Victims and offenders of night-time economy violence” and many
local area investigations which have been conducted during the past decade.
Notwithstanding our statutory duties in relation to crime & disorder it is fundamental that
people who visit our towns can do so without fear for their safety whether in the daytime,
evening or at night.
Alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour and crime is a nationwide problem and not just
confined to the Night Time Economy. Locally whilst footfall in the NTE has decreased
the length of time available to access licensed premises has increased. Action therefore
must be appropriate for the present but must be sufficiently robust to assist in supporting
the vision for a vibrant and safe NTE. There needs to be a mix of prevention,
intervention and action.
Close liaison with licencees is paramount ensuring we have a robust and effective
Pubwatch scheme, linked into the effective use of anti-social behaviour orders and drink
banning orders for those most persistent offenders in our local community.
There are a number of interventions available to the police in terms of preventative
action dispersals, Cumulative Impact Zones, and DPPO’s (Designated Public Place
Orders). Operation Abridge is the policing response to Night Time Economy issues over
the weekend across the County however it does not currently operate in Retford. This
normally involves 6 officers patrolling the Town Centre to address and manage alcohol
related crime and disorder.
Whilst the majority of people visiting the town centres will enjoy their evening and not be
subjected to or to cause disorder the Police are required to make arrests or support
victims resulting from the NTE. Since the closure of the Worksop Custody Suite officers
must transport detained people to either Mansfield of Newark Police stations. Concerns
have been expressed that this may result in either a reluctance to challenge lower level
disorder or if officers make arrests a reduction in the visible police presence.
Additional tactics including the use of powers provided by Section 27 Violent Crime
Reduction Act 2006 for dispersal of persons out of the NTE area and the issuing of on
street fines for some public order offences can be utilised in addition to the removal of
an individual’s liberty by arrest.
A number of options to address the challenge created by the geographical location of
the above two police custody suites are currently being explored. These include the use
of private sector providers to provide a “street to suite” service. This service could be
commissioned on a pilot basis for a year.
Additional focus is provided to NTE policing through the Alliance against Violence
campaign commenced commissioned by the Police and Crime Commissioner is now
Police led by the Assistant Chief Constable. This campaign has a main objective to
reduce Night Time Economy (NTE) and Open Space Violence, whilst additionally
focussing upon hate, robbery and knife crime.
Transport is also an important factor in supporting a safe but vibrant economy
particularly in the evening and at night. Different sectors of the community who do not
have access to their own vehicles or those who are less able to travel independently
may be prevented from coming into our town centres. The availability of transport, in
particular at the end of the evening, encourages responsible travel choices, reducing the
risk of drinking and driving and allows for safe return home. At present, taxis in both
Worksop and Retford provide an adequate service in removing revellers from the town
centres at night. Options such as a late night bus service will need to be explored with
transport providers if footfall and .
Street Pastors
Street Pastors operate in both Worksop and Retford and provide a visible and vital
presence to engage with and help maintain the safety of individuals whilst on a night out.
In Bassetlaw, Street Pastors from local churches have been working in partnership with
the Police and District Council since 2009 to provide a trained, caring, listening and
helpful presence which helps calm aggression and provide support for vulnerable people
on Friday and Saturday nights and Bank Holidays. Local partnership approaches to the
problems in the NTE have created significant and sustained reductions in crime and
antisocial behaviour. By working together we are continuing to develop suitable
responses and strategies to the frequently changing night-time challenges.
Retford and Worksop in comparison with towns of a similar size are remarkably
safe. Most people come and go without incident or risk or harm, and it is a very small
minority who become vulnerable or cause problems. The challenge faced by the nighttime economy is how to create a culture change in the behaviour of people who
habitually misuse alcohol to the detriment of other town-centre users. Deep-rooted
personal problems like grief, anger, frustration, loneliness, relationship difficulties and
selfish behaviour when fuelled by alcohol can often spill out onto the street in
disinhibited and dangerous ways which can often turn a pleasant and enjoyable
atmosphere sour.
Street Pastors don’t have the whole answer to this community problem, but having
someone there to care, to listen, and to point people to safety continues to help improve
the safety and enjoyability of the night-time economy.
Encouraging Footfall in Town Centres
We have a distinct role to help create the “shopping experience” through encouraging
vibrant markets, ensure ease of parking (as opposed to free parking), supporting Local
Business Forums (but not running them) and to continue to look at schemes to
encourage town centre vibrancy. Whilst this tends to focus on the Day Time Economy,
shopping continues until 5.00 – 6.00 pm and therefore offers scope for the evening
economy to grow as a result.
Whilst it is acknowledged that internet shopping is a major factor in affecting footfall,
there is still much that can be done to encourage vibrancy in our high streets. One of
the schemes involves tackling empty shops in our high streets called “Golden Hello” part
funded by the Enterprise Grant Scheme and part by landlords.
The survey results suggest some people feel excluded from our town centres as outlined
within this report therefore there is scope to encourage evening economic activities in
town centres which may take the form of events. Recent improvements to public realm in
both Retford and Worksop would provide suitable public open space for outdoor events.
Greater focus on safety should also assist.
Health
Substance Use/Misuse: Substance misuse is a significant problem in the district and one
which is in part associated with the NTE. Figures taken from Public Health England’s;
Health Profiles for 2013 show that in Bassetlaw the estimated users of opiate and/or
crack cocaine aged 15-64, was 14.4 crude rate per 1,000 population (1,057 cases) in
2010/11; almost double the rate of the England average 8.6, and worse than the
Nottinghamshire rate of 12.7. This shows an increase of 301 users in the district since
2008. It is also worth noting that this is not a true reflection of the magnitude of
substance misuse as it does not include all stimulants, mis-use of over the counter or
prescription drugs, so called legal highs, MCAT and other substances such as aerosols.
Alcohol: According to figures taken from Public Health England’s; Health Profiles for
2013, in Bassetlaw, hospital stays for alcohol related harm were 2,071 episodes per
100,000 population (total 2,880 cases) in (2010/11), this is significantly worse than the
England average of 1,895, and the Nottinghamshire average of 1,774 for the same
period.
In Bassetlaw there are estimated to be the following number of Drinkers at the levels
where there consumption would be of concern in terms of their health (based on
synthetic estimates taken from JSNA 2012i)
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Increasing risk 17,925 (16.6%)
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High risk 4,519 (4.2%)
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Dependent 3,108 (2.8%)
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Binge Drinkers 16,345 (15.1%)
It is not clear from these figures how much of this ‘drinking’ takes place at night-time, or
within the night time economy as increasingly people drink at home or at friend’s homes
and not in town centres. However “dependent drinkers” and “binge drinkers” are more
likely to cause issues for the night time economy.
Alcohol related hospital admissions are increasing, with the majority of conditions being high
blood pressure (27%) and cardiac problems (20%) being predominately in males over 50
years.
According to Local Alcohol Profiles for England (LAPE) hospital admissions for Males,
Females and under 18’s are all significantly worse than the England and East Midlands
Average.
Sexual Health: The link between alcohol consumption and increased risky sexual
behaviour has been well documented. According to the Royal College of Physicians
Report of 2011:
“People who drink heavily are more likely to have unprotected sex with multiple partners
and this effect is greater in men than women. Rates of STIs have been increasing
amongst young people coincidently with increasing levels of alcohol consumption. A
systematic review of the literature suggests that problematic drinking is associated with
an increased risk of acquisition of STIs. In addition, attendees at genitourinary medicine
clinics report higher levels of hazardous consumption of alcohol than the general
population’.
Alcohol & Domestic Violence: Alcohol's relationship with domestic violence is a
controversial and sensitive subject. Alcohol does not cause domestic violence, but there
is evidence that where the domestic violence exists, alcohol is often present.
Alcohol & Sex Attacks: The link between alcohol consumption and sex attacks is also
well documented. According to the Royal College of Physicians Report of 2011;
‘Use of alcohol by both victim and perpetrator is commonly implicated in sexual assault,
although the state of intoxication of the victim is more significant. The proportion of
reported rapes in which alcohol use is reported or can be detected biochemically in the
alleged victim varies from 35 to 46%. Where alcohol has been used by a perpetrator of
sexual assault, there is likely to be a greater degree of sexual abuse and it is more likely
to be associated with physical injury.
Intake of alcohol by an individual increases the risk of both stranger rape and date rape
occurring. Factors contributing to this may include the misinterpretation of friendly cues
as sexual invitations and diminished coping responses in the victim, leading to an
inability to ward off unwelcome advances. Alcohol consumption alters risk perceptions
as well as lowering inhibitions. At the same time, perpetrators may actually seek out
intoxicated women’.
The Government’s Alcohol Strategy published in March 2012 set out their intent to take
a far more proactive approach to addressing the harms caused by excessive and
irresponsible alcohol use. In Nottinghamshire, the PCC has launched his Alcohol
Strategy and Action Plan and Public Health have been reviewing the Services for the
Treatment of Substance Misuse which will now include alcohol as well as drugs.
Locally we must take a holistic approach within the NTE strategy and ensure that actions
agreed to deliver the strategy will support the objectives of our partners to secure
maximum impact on health outcomes.
Alcohol Sales and Promotions
Our approach towards alcohol sales supports responsible drinking whether as part of the
Night Time Economy or in relation to off license sales. However the availability of cheap
super strong lagers & beers does not itself support responsible drinking and we will
support off-sale retailers to voluntarily regulate sales and accept conditions on licenses
to do so.
This extends into promotions of sales of alcohol. We do not support irresponsible drinks
promotions and expect license holders to be responsible in their interpretation and
application of such. We will work closely with the Police in our partnership capacity to
highlight premises we feel are not upholding high standards and to encourage rigorous
enforcement.
Street drinkers are a growing problem and one which needs to be tackled. Some
success in relation to working with individual stores and banning sales is evident across
the country however the “super stores” need to further engage and participate. However
the issue of dealing with the individuals involved is problematic and complex as it relates
to lifestyle, life choices, health etc.
The overarching Health & Wellbeing Strategy emerging from Nottinghamshire County
Council has a supporting Substance Misuse strategy which includes alcohol. In addition
the Police & Crime Commissioner launched his Alcohol Strategy and Action Plan in
October. We will support delivery of those strategies locally to support the wider
problems of alcohol misuse and to help support vibrant and safe town centres.
Summary - What are we aiming to achieve?
Our ultimate aim is to see an increase in the choice and availability of services within our
town centres, create a feeling of safety and encourage greater diversity and vibrancy
within them.
We recognise the need to take action to improve the Night Time Economy. Success will
require a concerted partnership approach. This work has already started and we are
engaged with all key partners critical to success. Partners include the Police & Crime
Commissioner, Nottinghamshire Police, Nottinghamshire County Council (Community
Safety and Public Health), NHS Bassetlaw Clinical Commissioning Group and Bassetlaw
Street Pastors who have all contributed to the development of the draft strategy and will
be involved in its delivery.
The Council has a strategic community leadership role to facilitate and develop the Night
Time Economy and we have taken on that challenge. In addition, we need to ensure that
key services within our control e.g. Planning, Licensing, Environmental Health and AntiSocial Behaviour have a direct impact on success.
To improve the night time offer in our town centres requires a multi-faceted plan. That is
why we have identified key principles for our approach and have prioritised 10 key areas
for action - see Appendix 1. All partners are committed to addressing these priorities
over the next 2 years and further detail on delivery will be formalised following approval
of the strategy.
Appendix 1
NIGHT TIME ECONOMY POLICY
1. We support sensible operating times for licensed premises as part of the Late
Night Economy offer in accordance with our Licensing duties.
2. We will not tolerate poor standards of behaviour and will work with the Police and
license holders to improve those standards.
3. We expect standards of dress to be conducive to an improved and vibrant NTE
and expect licence holders to support those standards.
4. We expect licence holders to demonstrate commitment to a safe, quality NTE
offer by participating in voluntary schemes i.e. Pubwatch, the Community Safety
Rating etc.
5. We will not tolerate use of drugs or drug related activities in our licensed
premises.
6. We encourage regulation of the sales of super strength and high strength alcohol
by off-sales retailers either voluntarily or through licensing conditions.
7. We will ensure those who create anti-social behaviour are dealt with robustly.
8. We do not support irresponsible drinks promotions in our town centre licensed
premises and support rigorous enforcement of licensing conditions.
9. We support the work of Street Pastors as a vital contributor to the safety of
people in our town centres at night.
10. We aim to reduce the incidence of A & E admissions resulting from irresponsible
drinking in our Town Centres.
i
JSNA 2012 http://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/thecouncil/plans/strategydevelopment/jointstrategic-needs-assessment/