Blackpool Council considers consultation process on early hours drinking

Blackpool Council considers consultation process on early hours drinking

Blackpool Council has revealed it will consider proposals to introduce an Early Morning Restriction Order (EMRO) on the sale of alcohol at the popular seaside resort.

The authority will meet next week to consider whether to move forward with a consultation on the proposals.

"Blackpool Council is committed to having a vibrant night-time economy that is safe for everyone," commented Councillor Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for public protection and housing, whose officers will be responsible for enforcing the EMRO should it be approved.

"If a consultation goes forward then licensees, businesses and members of the public will be invited to make representations and we will consider each and every one of those very carefully before deciding how best to progress.

"We recognise the license trade has an important role to play in these considerations and we remain keen to work with publicans and others to make Blackpool's night time economy the best and safest it possibly can be."

EMROs restrict the sale of alcohol on licensed premises between the hours of midnight and 6am. In the case of hotels, alcohol may only be served to a person who is staying at the property and only for consumption in the room in which they are staying.

The meeting comes hot on the heels of a decision this week by Hartlepool Borough Council to halt plans for an EMRO in the County Durham town.

Blackpool Council is concerned about the strain that early morning drinking, in particular, is putting on the local police, ambulance and health services.

A report by Superintendent Stuart Noble to the authority's licensing committee revealed that alcohol associated crime, NHS and Local Authority services, and lost workforce productivity costs taxpayers more than £3b a year in the North West.

It also found that alcohol is related to: 48% of all rape offences in Blackpool; 47% of all domestic violence; 41% of all assaults; 37% of all violent; and 28% of sexual offences.

Alcohol-related violent crimes showed a significant upward trend after 3am, and as a result of that and the other statistics, an EMRO that limits licensing hours to no later than 3am has been proposed.

The council's licensing committee is currently considering whether or not to consult on the proposals and a decision will be taken on 15 May.

http://www.catererandhotelkeeper.co.uk/articles/9/1/2013/346952/blackpool-council-leader-targets-late-licences.htm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer">Blackpool council leader targets late licences >>

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