Plans to force bars and nightclubs in Northampton town centre to shut by a designated time in the morning are to be discussed next week.
Northampton Borough Council’s licensing committee will consider whether or not to launch a formal consultation on proposals to introduce an EMRO – Early Morning Alcohol Restriction Order – in Northampton.
The proposals, which are backed by Northamptonshire Police chief constable Adrian Lee and PCC Adam Simmonds, could see clubs and pubs given a cut-off point in the early hours of the morning by which time they must close.
Under the powers of the Police Reform and Social Responsibility Act 2011, councils can restrict the sale of alcohol for “all or some of the time between the hours of midnight and 6am”.
The borough council is being asked to recommend an EMRO that would take effect from 3am-6am.
Police say the introduction of an EMRO will help to tackle crime, violence and anti-social behaviour.
Since February, the licensing committee has been considering views and evidence from “a wide range of organisations and individuals”.
Some bars and clubs have already voiced their concern and have started a petition against the plans.
However, the committee will meet next Tuesday to consider evidence before deciding how to move forward.
If it decides to back the EMRO a full consultation will then be launched, consulting on the times and where the order will apply.
A full consultation would involve licensees, businesses and the public.
Councillor David Mackintosh, leader of Northampton Borough Council, said: “We are working hard to transform Northampton into a thriving and prosperous town and that also means having a vibrant nighttime economy.
“But we need a nighttime economy that is safe and comfortable for people to visit, so we are interested in the idea of an EMRO and the impact it could have on creating a safer, more pleasant environment in Northampton and promoting the licensing objectives.
“The licensed trade has an important part to play in these discussions and if the committee decides to formally consult on these proposals, their involvement will be crucial.”
Councillor Christopher Malpas, chair of the licensing committee, stressed that any consideration of an EMRO would be based on evidence and considerations around promoting the licensing objectives.
He said: “As a licensing authority we have a responsibility to consider the measures available to us to tackle any problems which do not promote the licensing objectives that are related to the sale of alcohol and we will be looking at the evidence put before us very carefully before deciding on our next steps.”