The Licensing Committee of Doncaster Council met on Wednesday 16 September 2026 to review the council's cumulative impact areas. The committee agreed to the recommendations set out in paragraph 4 of the report, which concerned the outcome of a statutory review of Doncaster's existing cumulative impact areas.

Cumulative Impact Assessment Review

The committee considered the outcome of a statutory review of Doncaster's existing cumulative impact areas, which are designated to address the adverse effects of a high concentration of licensed premises on the licensing objectives. These objectives include the prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, the prevention of public nuisance, and the protection of children from harm.

David Smith, Licensing Officer, presented the report, explaining that cumulative impact assessments must be reviewed every three years. He noted that a consultation had been undertaken with statutory consultees, licence holders, and other interested parties. Both Public Health and South Yorkshire Police supported the retention of the existing cumulative impact areas.

The report detailed the evidence considered, including data on crime and anti-social behaviour incidents, and alcohol-related hospital admissions and mortality rates. Public Health highlighted that Doncaster has significantly worse rates of alcohol-related hospital admissions and deaths compared to both England and the Yorkshire and Humber region. They recommended extending the cumulative impact areas to cover several additional Lower Layer Super Output Areas (LSOAs) identified as experiencing high alcohol-related harm, including Balby Bridge, Lower Wheatley Highfield Road, and Hexthorpe.

South Yorkshire Police also provided evidence supporting the retention of existing areas, noting that Area 1 (Doncaster Town Centre) remains a key driver of incident and crime demand, with violent crime being the highest recorded category. They also noted that Area 2 (Part of the Town Ward) remains a significant generator of violence and public order offences, and Area 3 (Bawtry Town Centre) has seen increases in anti-social behaviour incidents.

The committee was presented with four options: to retain the existing areas, increase them, reduce them, or remove them entirely. The committee agreed to the recommendations set out within paragraph 4 of the report. This means that where an application is made to license premises within these areas and is subject to representations, the council will refuse a licence if it determines that granting it would contribute to the cumulative impact on the area.

The meeting concluded with Councillor Gerald Squire, Chair of the Licensing Committee, thanking everyone for their attendance and input.