Brighton And Hove Propose Changes To Enhance Safety And Support Night-Time Economy

Brighton and Hove City Council is set to review several key changes to its licensing policy aimed at enhancing safety for vulnerable people and supporting the local night-time economy.

The Licensing Committee will meet this Thursday (6 November) to discuss a new “statement of licensing policy”, which includes a number of proposed measures designed to make the city’s nightlife safer and more inclusive.

Key changes include:

• A “Good Operator Policy”

• The introduction of a grassroots music venue category

• A new “City Safety Area” (CSA)

The CSA would replace the current Cumulative Impact Zone (CIZ), which restricts new alcohol-led venues and late-night businesses.

The focus of the CSA is on prioritising safety in and around licensed venues, aiming to reduce crime and public nuisance while ensuring the city centre remains vibrant and accessible to all.

A safety-first approach

The new proposals include door policies to ensure vulnerable people are not ejected onto the street and vulnerability training aimed at supporting individuals from the LGBTQ+ community.

Additionally, the plans seek to tackle violence against women and girls and safeguard against issues such as modern slavery.

The policy also references Martyn’s Law, which requires venues holding more than 200 people to be better prepared to respond to terrorism threats.

The proposed changes have received broad support, with slightly more than half of consultation respondents backing the move from a CIZ to a CSA.

A significant majority also supported measures designed to improve safety, including the safety-first door policy and increased safeguards against modern slavery and terrorism.

Supporting grassroots music venues

Another major change is the introduction of a grassroots music venue category, which would allow these venues to sell alcohol until midnight within the CSA and 1am outside it.

Additionally, new performance venues would be eligible for midnight licences.

The policy acknowledges the importance of supporting live music, dancing, and theatre as vital parts of the city’s cultural life, balancing the needs of entertainment with the impact on local neighbourhoods.

The Music Venue Trust has voiced its support for the proposals, particularly the emphasis on alcohol not being the primary focus in music-led venues.

Extending opening hours

In addition to the CSA changes, the report proposes extending restaurant opening hours to 1am for venues where customers must have a sit-down meal to drink alcohol.

Fast food outlets in the CSA would still be restricted to an 11pm closing time unless they can prove exceptional circumstances.

Outside the CSA, late-night licences would be allowed until midnight, with deliveries extending to 2am in certain cases.

Impact on tourism and economy

The policy also highlights the importance of tourism to Brighton and Hove’s economy, worth an estimated £1.3 billion annually and supporting nearly 24,000 jobs.

The cultural sector, including creative industries, is a significant part of the local economy, accounting for 10% of jobs and 21% of local business activity.

The Licensing Committee will meet on Thursday 6 November at 3pm at Hove Town Hall, where the proposed changes will be discussed. The meeting will be webcast for public viewing.