POLICE hope to crack down on booze-fuelled crime in Hounslow by making it harder for new pubs and off-licences to open.
Officers have taken the first steps towards creating a ‘cumulative impact zone’ (CIZ) in Hounslow and Hounslow West, where drink-related crime is a serious problem.
They hope the move, using legislation introduced as part of the Licensing Act 2003, will help stem the rising number of late-night drinking establishments in the area.
New licensing applications should currently be approved by Hounslow Council unless there are already problems associated with the premises.
However, applications falling within a CIZ must be rejected if it can be shown they are likely to add to existing alcohol-related crime within the area.
PC Simon Lawrence, licensing officer for Hounslow police, said officers were gathering information ahead of a possible application for a CIZ.
However, he said the public would be consulted before any decision is made and the zone could take up to a year to be approved.
Euro Food & Wine, in Bath Road, Hounslow West, was last week granted a 24-hour licence, despite opposition from the police. It is believed to be the first venue in the borough, other than the large supermarkets, to be granted such a licence.
There are already ‘controlled drinking zones’ (CDZ), where police have powers to confiscate booze from potential troublemakers, in both Hounslow and Hounslow West.
Officers have used the powers 27 times within the Hounslow West CDZ, mainly around Beaversfield Park since it came into force on October 14 last year.
They have also ordered three people to leave the area for up to 48 hours during that period, using powers introduced as part of the Violent Crime Reduction Act.
