Public feedback sought on proposals that could see a change to how licenses are granted in Great Yarmouth
People have until Friday, January 16, to provide feedback on proposals that could see changes to how Great Yarmouth Borough Council licenses premises in the town.
The council is considering introducing a new Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) for the town centre and surrounding area under the Licensing Act 2003. The assessment looks at whether the number or concentration of licensed premises in the area is having - or could have - a negative impact on the local community - for example, through increased noise, crime, anti-social behaviour or public nuisance.
The aim is to more effectively meet legal requirements which require the council to focus on crime prevention and public safety.
Councillor Paul Wells, Great Yarmouth Borough Council's portfolio holder for Environment and Sustainability, Licensing and Waste, said: ''Our residents have repeatedly made it clear that anti-social behaviour and feeling safe in the town centre are key issues.
''We and the police have significant concerns about crime, disorder and public nuisance. A CIA would be a strong statement of intent about our approach to considering applications for the granting and variation of licences in the specified area.''
The onus would be on applicants to demonstrate that granting a licence would not be adding to disorder and public nuisance in the defined area.
Councillor Wells said it was essential public feedback is considered before any decisions are made.
He said: ''Whether you live, work, run a business or spend time in the town centre, your feedback is valuable in helping us understand how licensing affects the area.
''Working with data provided by Norfolk Constabulary, public health and the town centre Business Improvement District, there is evidence to suggest that offences and hospital admissions with links to alcohol are an issue within this area.
''But ahead of any decision, public feedback will help guide our thinking on whether this might be an appropriate course of action for the council to pursue.''
The consultation is open until Friday, January 16, 2026, and the short survey only takes a few minutes to complete. It can be found online here: https://have-your-say.great-yarmouth.gov.uk/licensing-act-2003-cumulative-impact-assessment-2025
Hard copies are available for people to complete from Town Hall, Hall Plain, Great Yarmouth, NR30 2QF, from 9am until 4.30pm Monday to Friday, except Wednesday when it opens at 10am.
