Update on ‘running sore’ of Whalley pub and club concerns requested

Licensing talks are under-way regarding pubs, clubs, accusations of disorder and disturbances in a popular Ribble Valley village, councillors have been told.

Concerns about some venues, licensing and police responses in Whalley have been raised by residents and councillors over the past two years or so.

Accusations have included reports of drunk and rowdy revellers, drug taking, trespass, litter, damage to cars, fights and loud music keeping residents awake into the early hours at weekends.

In June, Ribble Valley councillors on its licensing committee agreed that top council officers should consult with other authorities, such as the police, to see if there is enough evidence to support a new ‘cumulative impact’ licensing policy for Whalley.

They also agreed for officers to informally consult licensees, the parish council and community groups, and to report back with recommendations.

The cumulative impact policy raises the requirements for new applications concerning food and drink,  live music, DJs and dancing in a designated area, such as a town centre or village.  It places a heavier burden on new applicants seeking a licence to show how they will not make any existing problems worse.

Normally, businesses wanting a licence simply have to show how they will meet standard objectives to prevent crime, disorder and nuisance; protect public safety and protect children from harm. This can include steps like keeping an incidents log, asking for proof of age and having clear fire exits. The cumulative impact approach demands more of them.

At the latest full Ribble Valley Council meeting, Conservative Coun Kevin Horkin asked if there were any updates on Whalley consultations since June? He also praised recent media reports including the Local Democracy Reporting Service in highlighting the Whalley debate and accusations.

He said: “I’m sure councillors have all seen the excellent reports in recent weeks regarding unrest in Whalley. I know this has been almost like a running sore over the past two years. Residents are turning to this authority and asking what can be done?

“Can the chairman of the licensing committee give us an update because residents’ lives are being blighted in certain parts of the village. We  need to do something about it.

“The hospitality sector is really important in the Ribble Valley. This licensing committee, through its very able chairman, should be able to do something about it.”

Independent Coun Ian Brown, the licensing committee chairman, said:  “I’m happy to answer questions any time but it would be nice to get some proper notice. However, for now I will refer to the comments I made at previous meeting.”

“But I will talk to Coun Horkin after this particular meeting. It’s not right that I make comments at this particular meeting  but I will update you. I do take note of what others say and comments reported in the media recently.”

The Whalley cumulative impact assessment was last renewed in 2022 and runs for a three year period. Deciding whether to renew it involves quite a lengthy process, councillors have been told.

Conservative Coun Mark Hindle, a Whalley councillor, called for  the comulative impact policy to be renewed at the June licensing meeting.

The council’s solicitor has pointed out that the policy is only for new applications. If concerns are raised about an existing venue which already has a licence,  a licence review can be done. Different people can request a review.

Licences can be suspended or revoked by councils following reviews, if need be.