Move comes amid evidence that number, type and density of licensed premises in the two areas is impacting on crime, disorder and public safety, reports Grace Howarth, Local Democracy Reporter

Tight restrictions on new licensed premises will be introduced in Palmers Green and Bowes as part of efforts to tackle antisocial behaviour.

Evidence gathered by Enfield Council has indicated that the number, type and density of licensed premises in the two areas is impacting on crime, disorder and public safety.

In response, the council has designated the wards as ‘cumulative impact zones’ (CIZs). This means that, going forward, only in exceptional circumstances – where an applicant can demonstrate that granting an application will not add cumulative impact – may a licence be granted. 

Susan Erbil, the council’s cabinet member for planning and regulatory services, discussed the changes at a full council meeting last night (Wednesday 6th).

She said the local authority was legally obliged to carry out a review of its licensing policy every three years and consult with members of the public, which was the reason behind the introduction of the two new zones.

Cllr Erbil said: “We have retained the existing zones [in Edmonton, Enfield Highway, Enfield Town and Southgate] and introduced two new zones based on the feedback of our consultation in Bowes and Palmers Green.

“All CIZs will operate on a 24-hour basis, recognising the concerns that residents have raised about antisocial behaviour appearing at various times of the day, even beyond night-time trading hours.

“We have also made sure that staff are trained to protect vulnerable groups, particularly women. Licence holders in CIZs must ensure staff are trained to prevent harassment, intimidation and violence against women, alongside protocols for smoking areas and managing public spaces outside premises.”

The policy balances “business interest” and “the protection of public safety”, Cllr Erbil clarified.

The council is also introducing two new ‘gambling vulnerability areas’, one in Edmonton and one in Enfield Highway, again following residents’ concerns. 

Applicants in these areas will need to put control measures in place, “over and above” what would normally be expected by a gambling premises licence application, as well as a comprehensive risk assessment that addresses the area’s risks. 

Cllr Erbil said these were areas where residents were “at higher risk” of gambling-related harm, and listed unemployment, deprivation, and mental health issues as contributing factors. 

The Edmonton gambling vulnerability area consists of Ponders End, Jubilee, Lower Edmonton, Haselbury and Upper Edmonton wards.

The Enfield Highway area consists of Enfield Lock, Bullsmoor, Carterhatch, and Brimsdown wards.

Palmers Green was also proposed by residents as a gambling vulnerability area, however its inclusion was “not supported by evidence in the local area profile”. Along with Bowes ward, it would be “kept under review” and assessed at the next review of the gambling policy in three years time.

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