A Saturation zone, limiting the number of bars and pubs in Clapham, has been agreed by Lambeth Council.

The policy, which was agreed at a council meeting on Wednesday, November 9, and will come into effect immediately, means new applications for bars and restaurants selling alcohol in the area will be turned down if either local residents or the police object to it.

Clapham attracts many people for its nightlife, but has been associated with rowdiness, violence and littering, the council said.

The run up to Christmas will also see the council launch its Be Safe Clapham campaign, where bar owners and community safety officers will come together to encourage customers to socialise responsibly.

Councillor Rachel Heywood, the council’s cabinet member for community safety, said: ''This is one of a set of measures we are undertaking to promote responsible drinking and make the area safer for everybody, and we will continue to work closely with the police and licensees so that people who come to Clapham for a night out do not have to endure anti-social behaviour.''