Call for council to ban new bars in town centre

A bid to potentially curb the number of licensed premises opening in a town over concerns about crime and antisocial behaviour is to be considered by councillors.

Lytham's town council want restrictions to be brought in around Henry Street, with the support of several local businesses.

But Fylde Borough Council believes many of the problems raised by people and businesses would not be best resolved by introducing such a limit.

A Lancashire Police licensing officer said crime was low, and "while any crime is undesirable, to achieve the utopia of no crime is completely unrealistic".

Fylde Council said "while there is a perception of crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour, it is not supported by statistics".

The town council wanted a "cumulative impact policy" brought in between Henry Street and Clifton Street.

It would have meant Fylde Council licensing chiefs having the power to limit the number of pubs, clubs, bars, off-licences or other premises selling alcohol.

Sgt Nat Cox told Fylde Council's consultation on the proposal that there had been "roughly 25 crimes a year, or two a month", adding: "This is relatively low and although any crime is undesirable, to achieve the utopia of no crime is completely unrealistic.

"As such, I'm not sure the overall crime figures really support a Cumulative Impact Zone in the area", he added.

The report to Fylde licensing chiefs said there was "overall agreement with [the policy] being introduced, but officers noted numerous concerns within the report regarding matters that [the policy] would not resolve. These issued included litter, noise from buskers, vehicle anti-social behaviour and the increase in pavement café licences".

It added: "Officers do understand that there are real concerns from some residents in Lytham regarding licensed premises, and other matters highlighted during the consultation.

"Unfortunately, not all these concerns can be remedied through licensing, but the exercise has been useful to hopefully identify the true feelings within the area, so that steps may be taken to address them."

It was also pointed out that licensed premises had been complaining about a decrease in trade since the policy was last floated two years ago, and that trend appeared to coincide with a number of new licences being granted.

But, the report added, there were no objections to three of the six licences applied for since March 2024.

It said that even if a cumulative impact policy had been in place, the council would still have had to automatically grant licences to which no objections were raised.

"Officers are concerned that there is insufficient evidence to support [the proposal].

"The request should be rejected but the situation monitored," the report added.

The matter will be heard by Fylde Council's licensing committee on Wednesday.

CORRECTION - 9 March 2026: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Fylde Council had rejected the idea of restricting the number of licensed premises in part of Lytham. This matter will be considered at a licensing committee meeting on Wednesday.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Lancashire on Sounds and follow BBC Lancashire on Facebook, X and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.