Fears over bad behaviour in the city's clubland have prompted the refusal of a takeaway's bid to stay open for longer.

Byblos wanted to serve late-night snacks into the early hours from Thursday to Saturday on Prince of Wales Road.

But Norwich City Council thwarted its efforts after using a piece of policy for the first time which aims to drive down anti-social behaviour in the city centre.

Green city councillor Ben Price has been pushing for the cumulative impact policy (CIP) to be used and said he hopes it will send a message to any future applicants.

'Time and time again we have seen violence and anti-social behaviour in this area,' he said.

'There is a direct correlation showing a clear link between takeaway vendors and crime and disorder. The implementation of this piece of policy is a victory for making a night -time economy for the whole city to use.'

The item was brought before the city council's licensing sub-committee last month with letters of support from the police and local councillors for its refusal. The CIP's main aim is to reduce anti-social behaviour in problematic areas. The application was for opening from 11pm to 12.30am on Thursday nights and from 11pm to 1.30am on Friday and Saturdays.

A report by Norfolk police had previously highlighted a link between the level of disorder with the number of businesses licensed for the sale of alcohol and late-night refreshments in Norwich. The force was against the application.

The takeaway, which is not currently open, will be able to open outside the hours of 11pm and 5am and can appeal the decision or reapply.

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