WINCHESTER civic chiefs have hailed their licensing policy in recent years as a big success, reducing the problem of city centre disorder.

The city council has agreed a new policy for 2014-19 and dropped the 'special saturation' policy that barred new licensed premises in Jewry Street.

Cllr Fiona Mather, chairman of the licensing committee, told the Council meeting last night that in 2003-04 “Jewry Street was very different in character to what it is today. We had a couple of premises from which a large number of public order issues emanated. It was a challenge for the police. Jewry Street is now largely restaurants. The police do not believe a saturation policy is appropriate.”

Cllr Malcolm Wright said: “Our licensing policy has worked very well. We have seen a reduction in the number of people objecting to licences. We have a vibrant nightlife without the trouble seen in other districts. That shows the policy is good. I would like to commend the officers for their work.”

Cllr Chris Pines said: “It is not the pubs that are the problem; it is a large store selling extremely cheap alcohol to extremely young people and getting away with it. By the time a lot of youngsters come into town they are thoroughly tanked up.”

But he added that many people came to Winchester from other places because it felt safe.

Cllr Derek Green, who works at Tesco, responded: “The alcohol is not coming from the large store. I am an employee of that large store. I'm on the tills at night and I don't let them.”

Cllr Kelsie Learney, said: “As someone who has been drinking late in Winchester for 30 years, the streets are much safer and more pleasant now. Things have changed for the better. It is important we are not negative about this.”