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PUBS in Covent Garden are set to be given the chance to stay open later under relaxed new licensing rules.

Crunch talks over the policy are due to take place next week as the local authority looks to make it easier for new pubs and venues to open.

It is looking at scrapping its saturation rules which in the past have tried to limit the numbers operating in busy areas including Covent Garden.

Council chiefs say they want to help the “night-time economy”, as venues warn they have been left struggling after the double whammy of Covid-19 and the cost of living crisis.

Police, however, said this week they remained cautious about more liberal rules, and community groups are aiming to change councillors’ minds.

When the Labour government under Tony Blair brought in the right to apply for 24-hour licences, the council responded by setting up “cumulative impact areas”. a measure which it hoped would control clusters of late-night venues and ensure residents were not left with sleepless nights.

Now Camden is looking to get rid of these zones to the frustration of those who say too many pubs and clubs lead to disturbances and anti-social behaviour.

David Kaner, who chairs the Covent Garden Community Association’s licensing committee, told the Extra: “I feel the council are doing this because they have been lobbied by the industry and told if you get rid of the impact zone, more businesses will come. Our position is you keep the cumulative impact policy but encourage diverse and responsible businesses to open. All they are doing by removing the zones will be to encourage drink-led businesses.”

He added: “If you want to open in these areas you have to demonstrate you will not add to the impact, won’t add to drunk people coming out on the streets at the same time. There is a presumption for refusal.”

Metropolitan police Superintendent Jack Rowlands said: “We are cautious around the proposed removal of the cumulative impact area and the effect this may have on communities.”

The proposals to be discussed at the council are part of a five-yearly review of licensing. Councillors will decide whether the policy changes should go out for a full consultation survey.

Finance chief councillor Camron Aref-Adib said: “These proposals will be reviewed by the council’s licensing committee and if agreed will be subject to a full public consultation for people to get involved and have their say.”