Norwich clubland crime could halt new venues

Some licensed premises in Norwich city centre could serve alcohol up to 06:00 in the morning

New venues in Norwich clubland could be prevented from opening after a police report revealed a high level of crime.

Norfolk Police said more than 55% of the city's violent and sexual crime took place in the small area between the hours of 21:00 and 06:00 in 2013.

Norwich City Council is now consulting with residents and business owners on whether further venues should open.

Nick De'Ath, of the Norwich Licensing Forum, said many changes were made in 2014 and the figures were out of date.

Police had compiled figures that showed during 2013 there were 1,339 violent or sexual crimes in Norwich city centre, of which 480 - or 35.8% - were in the clubland area.

Fostering safety

Between 21:00 and 06:00 in Norwich city centre in 2013 there were 760 reported crimes, of which 482 - or 55.7% - were in clubland.

Equivalent figures for 2011 show 882 reported violent and sexual crimes, with 527 - or 59.8% - in clubland.

The city council is proposing a cumulative impact policy under which any application would be considered only if it was shown it would not add to the crime problem.

Gail Harris, responsible for customer services at Norwich City Council, said licence applicants in the clubland area would have to explain how they would avoid contributing to existing crime levels.

Mr De'Ath said club and pub owners worked with taxi firms and transport companies in 2014 to foster a safe and friendly environment.

"I would like to see the figures for 2014 before commenting in any detail on the police report," he said.