Restrictions on new Bristol bars and clubs could end

It will soon become easier to open a new venue with an alcohol licence in central Bristol.

Restrictions preventing new pubs, nightclubs and takeaways from opening in a city centre are set to be scrapped, against the advice of police.

The policy in Bristol covers a zone from the harbourside, to Stokes Croft, and from the Clifton Triangle to the edge of Broadmead.

It was brought in because the city was deemed to be at saturation point for bars and other venues selling alcohol.

City Hall officers are now advising councillors to scrap the policy.

A report to the licensing committee said applications for new premises licences or extended hours would still have to go through the same process and that the police, other authorities and residents could still voice their concerns.

A decision will be made on 25 January according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

The restricted zone, known as a cumulative impact area, is the last of its kind in Bristol.

The technical term for an area banning the licencing of new premises is a 'cumulative impact area' or CIA.

In its response to the consultation, Avon & Somerset Police said: "In recent years, the need for a Cumulative Impact Area has been under scrutiny particularly regarding Brexit, Covid 19 and the prolonged austerity in the UK.

"Many argue that the CIA only seeks to negatively impact the Night Time Economy (NTE) at a time when venues are experiencing great hardship in costs.

The statement added: "The Police would argue that we do not seek the CIA to stifle business and growth but more to ensure that the right and proper establishments are, following consultation, encouraged in Bristol thereby providing variety and diversity in our NTE of which we are enormously proud."

The city centre is Bristol's last remaining CIA after the other four were discontinued when the policies were last reviewed three years ago.

Broadmead was removed from the central one because most of the problems in the shopping area were unrelated to the night-time economy.

The council's equalities impact assessment said removing the CIA could result in more venues and increased job opportunities for young people who make up a large proportion of their staff.