PLANS to give the council powers to ban any more pubs or clubs opening in parts of Liverpool city centre will be put to the public.

City leaders want feedback before deciding on whether to apply the “cumulative impact policy”, which gives them powers to limit the number of licences issued.

If adopted, it would mean licences would automatically be refused if the police, council, other businesses or residents object.

New applications or variations of existing licences would have to demonstrate they would not add to problems in the area.

Liverpool Council believes the move would improve safety and curb crime and disorder.

But critics claim the policy sends the wrong message about the city to the rest of the country and fear the objection process could be abused.

Cllr Christine Banks, chairman of the council’s licensing committee, said: “It is important we get the views of people who live and work in the city centre before any changes to this policy are introduced.

“We want them to let us know whether they think this is necessary to ensure the city centre is safe.

“While the police have pointed to hotspots for disorder, it is important to remember Liverpool is still a safe city in comparison with most other major conurbations, with a 28% drop in assaults over the last four years.

“We have gained the Purple Flag award for the city centre and we want to do all we can to maintain that.”

But Liverpool licensing and security expert Karl Barry said: “This over-zealous policy would send out the message that Liverpool cannot control its night-time economy or that people enjoying nights out in the city are generally problematic.”

The options being considered are for a cumulative impact policy to extend to the area bounded by Hardman Street, Leece Street, Berry Street, Duke Street, Hanover Street, Canning Place, The Strand, Water Street, Dale Street, William Brown Street, Lime Street and Renshaw Street or in the Ropewalks and/or Cavern Quarter areas.

The consultation with residents involves 200 door-to-door interviews and a series of focus groups.

City centre residents can take part online at www.liverpool.gov.uk until June 27 or by calling 0800 073 0348.