Police asking city 'no more bars'

Staggered closing times may help prevent trouble in Union Street

Plymouth City Council is being urged to stop any more bars and clubs from opening on Union Street.

Devon and Cornwall Police say the area has reached saturation point.

The council is currently reviewing its alcohol policy and, from next year, it will have new powers to restrict licensing establishments.

The constabulary also said it hoped closing times would be staggered so people would not all leave drinking establishments at the same time.

Police hope when the council finishes its policy review, it will stagger the closing times of bars in the street so that no bar closes within 20 minutes of a neighbouring establishment.

Superintendent Peter Strawbridge said: "In the city of Gloucester, they've produced a draft licensing policy with this suggestion to try and avoid the problems of hundreds, or perhaps thousands of people leaving licensed premises all at the same time.

"This seems, on the face of it, to be a very sensible suggestion."

The council said that as a licensing authority it would work in partnership with its neighbouring authorities, the police and other emergency services, to ensure the safety of residents.