London Borough of Richmond on Thames: Evening economy study
In 2005 the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames was considering implementing a ‘Cumulative Impact Policy’ (i.e. a restriction on new pubs, bars and clubs opening in its town centres). This can be done if there is evidence that new premises would compromise the four licensing objectives of the Licensing Act 2003. The aim of this project was to objectively examine if evidence did exist for such a policy.
To meet the project aim, Erskine initially undertook a statistically significant survey of local businesses and residents in and near the town centres of Richmond and Twickenham.
The survey was combined with an innovative ‘behaviour observation study’. This used a team of 15 field researchers who recorded crime and anti-social behaviour at set locations across the evening and late-night economy in the two town centres. Where the police were recording 30 incidents across the same period, the Erskine study found 900 (mostly low level nuisance behaviour, though with some very serious).
While the borough remains one of the safest in London, when the evidence was presented to elected members they voted for the policy.
Rob Mitchener: Head of Licensing, London Borough of Richmond upon ThamesWithout the Erskine report, it would simply not have been possible for members to make an informed decision to introduce such an important policy.
Project leader
