Putney High Street has been singled out over growing concerns with late-night drinking, anti-social behavior, and alcohol-related crime.
A new report commissioned by Wandsworth Council highlights Putney as one of the most problematic areas in the borough, with a high concentration of bars, clubs, off-licences, and late-night food venues contributing to public disorder.
The council is now seeking public feedback on whether stricter licensing controls should be introduced to curb these issues, particularly by restricting new late-night food licenses between 11 pm and 5 am. The public consultation is now open, allowing residents, businesses, and local stakeholders to voice their opinions before any final decision is made.
Putney High Street: A problem area for late-night drinking and disorder
According to the cumulative impact assessment (CIA) research report [pdf], Putney High Street is one of the borough’s most problematic areas in terms of crime, public nuisance, and emergency service demand. The report found that Putney has the highest number of licensed premises in Wandsworth—191 in total—and that the sheer density of these establishments is straining local resources.
Crime data from December 2023 to November 2024 reveals that Putney recorded 576 crimes in one year, making it the second most crime-heavy area in the borough, just behind Clapham Junction. These offenses include high levels of theft, public order offenses, violence against the person, arson, criminal damage, and drug-related crimes. The report also highlights 276 incidents of anti-social behavior (ASB) in Putney, often linked to intoxication, aggressive begging, and rough sleeping, particularly around Putney Station.
The peak time for alcohol-related ambulance callouts in Putney is between 11:00pm and 1:00am on weekends, reinforcing concerns that late-night drinking is fuelling disorder. The presence of numerous off-licences encourages “pre-loading” (drinking before heading to bars) and “side-loading” (continuing to drink while moving between venues), worsening public nuisance issues. Residents and business owners have reported overcrowding, noise pollution, littering, and safety concerns, particularly for women and vulnerable groups at night.
Council’s proposal: stricter licensing controls for late-night venues
In response to these issues, Wandsworth Council is proposing a cumulative impact policy (CIP) for Putney High Street, which would make it harder for new late-night food outlets to obtain a license. The policy would not automatically prevent new businesses from opening, but it would require applicants to prove that their establishment would not contribute to crime, disorder, or public nuisance.
Existing businesses would not be affected unless they apply for a major variation to their current licenses. However, new applications for late-night refreshment licenses between 11pm and 5am would be subject to additional scrutiny, ensuring they do not worsen the area’s existing problems.
Alongside Putney, the report recommends introducing similar restrictions in Clapham Junction and Tooting Broadway, where crime and anti-social behaviour linked to licensed premises are also high.
How residents and businesses can have their say
The council is urging residents, businesses, and local stakeholders to participate in the consultation process before a final decision is made. This is a critical opportunity for those affected by late-night licensing policies to share their views on the future of Putney’s night-time economy.
Feedback can be submitted in several ways:
- Online Survey: Residents can complete the survey at CitizenSpace.
- Email Responses: Written feedback can be sent to licensing@merton.gov.uk.
- Written Submissions: Letters can be addressed to the Licensing Department at Wandsworth Council.
- Requesting Paper Copies: Alternative formats of consultation documents are available by calling 020 8545 3969.
The consultation will remain open for 12 weeks, after which the Licensing Committee will review the responses and make a decision. If approved, the new policy would take effect later in 2025.
Balancing the nighttime economy with public safety
Wandsworth Council recognises that Putney’s nightlife is an essential part of the local economy, and any new restrictions will need to strike a balance between supporting businesses and maintaining public safety. The Night Time Strategy for Wandsworth, published in late 2023, emphasised the importance of ensuring that the borough’s nightlife remains vibrant, diverse, and safe for all residents.
The council has already introduced measures to improve safety, including additional CCTV, better lighting, and increased police patrols. However, the new CIA report suggests that these measures alone may not be enough and that licensing controls are necessary to address the root causes of alcohol-related disorder.
What happens next?
The Licensing Committee will consider the consultation responses before making a final recommendation later this year. If the cumulative impact policy is approved, new businesses in Putney High Street seeking a late-night refreshment license will have to meet stricter conditions to demonstrate that they will not contribute to existing problems.
For now, residents and businesses have the opportunity to shape the future of Putney’s night-time economy. The council urges everyone with a stake in the area—whether they are local residents concerned about safety or business owners worried about new regulations—to take part in the consultation and make their voices heard.
Are you sure Putney has 191 licensed premises? That seems like far too many – and I doubt there are more than 10 on the High Street? If we can’t trust those figures, how can we trust the overall report?