Future of restrictions on new bars and pubs in Wickersley to be reviewed
Councillors will be asked to approve an eight-week consultation when Rotherham Council’s cabinet meets on Monday, September 14
Restrictions intended to prevent more alcohol-related problems in Wickersley could be retained, changed or removed under a new review.
Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council is preparing to consult residents and businesses about the future of the area’s cumulative impact zone, which places an additional burden on applicants seeking new or varied alcohol licences.
The Wickersley Cumulative Impact Zone was introduced in 2020 after the council concluded that the concentration of licensed premises was having a 'negative impact' on the largely residential area.
At the time of its last review in 2023, Wickersley had 23 licensed premises, including 19 clustered along a 300-metre stretch of Bawtry Road. Fourteen were licensed drinking establishments.
The council’s assessment described Wickersley’s evening economy as proportionately the busiest in Rotherham outside the town centre.
However, residents reported being disturbed by outdoor drinking, live music and customers remaining in the area after venues closed. Other complaints included broken glass, litter, urine and vomit in the streets.
The assessment also recorded 277 alcohol-related ambulance call-outs across the two wider areas covering Wickersley.
The consultation will examine the effectiveness of the existing zone before councillors decide whether it should remain, be amended or allowed to lapse. It will also ask whether any other parts of Rotherham could benefit from similar measures.
The zone does not impose an outright ban on new licences. However, where objections are lodged, applicants must demonstrate that their plans would not add to the area’s existing problems.
Councillors will be asked to approve an eight-week consultation when Rotherham Council’s cabinet meets on Monday, September 14.
Residents will be asked whether they have experienced noise or anti-social behaviour linked to licensed venues during the past 12 months. Businesses will also be invited to explain how tighter licensing controls could affect them.
The review could result in the Wickersley zone being retained, changed or removed. It will also consider whether any other parts of Rotherham should be covered by similar measures.
A final set of recommendations will return to cabinet following the consultation.