A 'saturation' zone to curb booze-related crime and anti-social behaviour around Fulham Town centre moved closer to fruition this week.

The new rules, set to be adopted by Hammersmith and Fulham council on November 11, will automatically reject applications for new or revised alcohol licences unless the premises owners can demonstrate their will be no negative impact on the area.

Fulham Town Centre currently has 69 licensed premises drawing as many as 3,000 revellers into the area at peak times.

Residents and police claim the popularity of drinking around Fulham Broadway, Parson's Green and Walham wards is blighting the area with booze-fuelled behaviour.

The local neighbourhoods scrutiny committee was set to give the nod to the new 'saturation' zone on Nov 11, although the council insists it will continue to assess license applications on a case-by-case basis.

A Town Hall spokesman said complaints against licences will still have to be made but applicants would have to demonstrate that if the application is improved, there would be no adverse impact on the local area.

"They would have to show exactly how they would tackle an issue brought up in a representation - an element of prevention rather than cure, almost," he added.