David Ruffley MP has today called on St Edmundsbury Borough Council's Licensing Committee to give its backing to a special licensing policy for the historic core of Bury St Edmunds.

The new 'cumulative impact' policy, if approved, will change the burden of proof when a licensing application is made in Bury St Edmunds' historic core. Currently residents objecting to an application have to prove that it will have a detrimental impact on the area. Under these proposals residents will still have to raise their initial objection, however, it will be down to the applicant to prove that their business will not cause the quality of life in the area to deteriorate further.

The policy will be discussed at a meeting of St Edmundsbury Borough Council's Licensing Committee on 7 July 2008.

David said:

'A vibrant and successful evening economy is essential if Bury St Edmunds is to continue to prosper, however, this must not come at a cost to the quality of life that local people enjoy.

'Local people are sick and tired of the increase in antisocial behaviour that has followed in the wake of the Government's late licensing laws. Not only has this resulted in more unpalatable behaviour but it has also extended it further into the evening.

'Suffolk Constabulary does a fantastic job combating unruly conduct on our streets but they do not have the time or resources to be on every street corner tackling drunken behaviour."