Drunken behaviour stemming from local bars has become a concern for businesses on Lincoln’s High Street, affecting both customer experiences and shop viability. As the nightlife scene thrives, establishments are struggling with patrons consuming excessive alcohol, creating disturbances on the High Street.
This unruly behaviour can discourage potential shoppers, deter families, and tarnish the High Street’s reputation as a safe, welcoming destination. Reports indicate that shop owners have witnessed a decline in foot traffic during mid-afternoon hours, leading to a ripple effect on sales and community engagement.
Shop Agatha Boutique has been a staple independent store on Lincoln High Street for almost 30 years. Manager, Alice Darby spoke on the issues “People are spilling out of clubs and bars all through the day.” The store mainly struggles with “the noise pollution from the music or the people, in general, creates an uneasy atmosphere around our shop.”
Frequent altercations and loud, disruptive behaviour not only frustrate businesses but also strain relationships with law enforcement and local authorities as they grapple with rising incidences of public intoxication and anti-social behaviour. Darby spoke on how the police presence has improved “However the amount of people still drinking on the high street is still high.”
For Lincoln High Street to thrive it must address these issues to ensure all stakeholders benefit from a safe environment. Lincoln BIG aims to support its businesses and is available to contact with any concerns.
