Greens improve quality of City Living

11th December 2007

Thanks to Green Party the Council will now have to strike a better balance between Sheffield's vibrant night life and the quality of life of people coming to live in the city centre. The Green amendment, which was put as the Council considered its licensing policy, was passed in full.

The amendment highlighted the problems of noise and safety that late-night pubs and clubs cause to local residents and the lack of resources to police them. High staff turnover also means that employees are often not trained to stop trouble or prevent noise.

Cllr Jillian Creasy added, "Alcohol is an addictive drug estimated to cost the country £20 billion a year as against the £11 billion tax revenue from alcohol sales, so the argument that unrestricted drinking is good for the economy doesn't add up. In fact, the alcohol industry should be coughing up some of their massive profits to help those who are harmed by alcohol.

Council officers have been asked to look into how the night time economy could contribute to better enforcement of planning and licensing and to help those addicted to alcohol. They will also have to make rapid progress on a website designed to help people comment on licensing applications.

ENDS

For more information, contact Kathy Aston , Press Officer;

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