Leigh off-licences could face tougher licensing rules

The council is considering introducing a Cumulative Impact Assessment (CIA) specifically covering off-licences in Leigh and Wigan town centres.

If introduced, the measure could make it harder for these businesses to obtain new licences to sell alcohol for consumption elsewhere.

Restrictions on off-licences could be introduced in Leigh town centre (Image: Google Maps)

The move comes as the council says it has concerns about the number and concentration of off-licences and convenience stores in the two town centres.

Councillor Dane Anderton, cabinet portfolio holder for economic development and regeneration, said there were "far too many" convenience stores in a small area of the town centres and said the concentration was working against the council's aim of creating a more diverse mix of businesses.

He said he would instruct the council's assistant director for infrastructure and regulation to examine the grounds for a CIA covering off-licences in Leigh and Wigan.

What would change?

Under the current system, a new off-licence application is generally presumed approved.

But if a CIA were introduced, the council would be able to create a presumption against granting new licences in the designated area.

Applicants would then have to demonstrate to a licensing committee why their application should be allowed.

Cllr Anderton described the proposed measure as something the council could use to help encourage a wider range of businesses into town centres.

He stressed that the proposal is not aimed at hospitality businesses such as pubs, bars and restaurants, but specifically at off-licences and convenience stores.

Why is the council considering it?

The council says it wants to support a broader mix of businesses, including cafes, bistros, bars and other hospitality venues, rather than seeing vacant town-centre premises become concentrated around convenience stores and off-licences.

The idea isn't entirely new.

In 2025, the council told Leigh's Neighbourhood Board that it was looking at ways of implementing Cumulative Impact Zones to restrict certain businesses like barbers, off licenses and vape shops from saturating areas.

However, Wigan Council's current licensing policy says the previous cumulative impact policies for Leigh and Wigan town centres were removed in 2022, following the council's decision not to implement a CIA at that time.

The council's latest proposal therefore represents a potential return to a policy that could make it more difficult for new off-licences to open.

What happens next?

The council has not yet introduced the new restriction.

It is currently examining whether there are sufficient grounds and evidence to support a CIA for off-licences in Leigh and Wigan.