Blackpool council leader targets late licences
Late licences in Blackpool pubs and clubs are the main cause for anti-social behaviour in the seaside town, according to the leader of the town council.
Councillor Simon Blackburn said he is "actively pursing" restricting pubs and clubs opening hours in a bid to reduce problems linked to drunkenness and disorder.
Blackburn made the comments at a community meeting, when he was asked what is being done to curb anti-social behaviour in the town centre, reported www.blackpoolgazette.co.uk.
He said the council was seriously looking into restricting the hours to which pubs and clubs can stay open.
"As of April local authorities will have new powers to employ restriction orders. We can show evidence that late drinking is causing problems," he added. "Following a consultation process we can limit the time that these premises can open."
Blackburn said in the past there was a presumption that late licences would be granted unless there were serious reasons to refuse them, but now councils can have the power to prevent all night drinking.
"24-hour licences and the continental hours culture have not worked across the country but specifically here in Blackpool. It is not just putting holidaymakers off coming, it is putting off everybody coming into town at certain times of night."
Be ready for councils' new licensing powers >>
By Janie Manzoori-Stamford
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