Late-night drinking is banned in the borough to protect residents

From 7 February a new Act will permit pubs, bars, off-licences and nightclubs to remain open around the clock.

Pubs and bars in the south-west borough can only stay open after 2300 if there are compelling reasons to do so.

The council says it introduced the new licensing policy to protect residents from late-night noise and disturbance.

'Right balance'

Council leader Edward Lister said: "This policy has been drawn up following extensive consultation with residents, local amenity groups, the police, and businesses involved in the drinks and entertainment industry.

"We believe that our new policy strikes the right balance between protecting the interests of residents, taking steps to combat crime and disorder and also promoting the borough's night-time economy."

He says that as Wandsworth is primarily a residential area the local authority does not want the business community to have an adverse effect on residents. There are nearly 1,000 licensed premises in Wandsworth that are permitted to sell alcohol.

The Government's new Licensing Act will see local authorities taking over from magistrates in handing out licences to pubs and bars.