Plaid Cymru councillor Mohammed-Sarul Islam has hit out at moves to reject appeals by residents for restrictions on the number of premises selling alcohol in the Pontcanna and Riverside areas of Cardiff.
In September Councillor Islam, who represents the Riverside ward, presented a petition signed by 89 people calling on the council not to grant any additional premises licences in the Pontcanna and the Cowbridge Road East areas.
But the city licensing committee, which meets on Tuesday, was told that police believed there was insufficient alcohol-related crime to justify a saturation zone. There are currently special policies in place in St Mary Street and the City Road and Crwys Road areas of the capital.
Councillor Islam said: “There is considerable concern among residents about anti-social behavior in this area, often the result of alcohol excess, and, I believe, action should be taken before it worsens.
“I am very disappointed at the recommendation made to the licensing committee and would like them to look at this matter again. I’m afraid this will lead to many more applications being made. This area needs an alcohol saturation zone.
“In addition, there is also concern about the impact on local businesses as more and more off-licence and on-licence applications are made.”
In a report to the committee it was said the existence of an accumulation off licence premises in a given area was not in itself enough to warrant a special policy.
