Clampdown on opening hours will not solve booze problem

Restricting opening hours at off-licences in Blackpool will not prevent the resort's most hardened alcoholics from buying booze, a support worker has warned.

Denise Boehme, support services manager for The Ashley Foundation which helps homeless people in the town, many of whom are addicts, says people with a severe addiction will still track down drink.

She was commenting in the wake of moves by retailer Tesco Express to extend the licensing hours at two of its stores.

It wants to sell booze from 6am at its outlet in Ansdell Road and from 7am at its store in Whitegate Drive. Both currently cannot sell alcohol before 8am.

Ms Boehme said: “I’m not condoning them selling alcohol at 6am, but the availability is already there.

“We already have garages and supermarkets selling alcohol 24-hours.

“Alcohol is a big problem in Blackpool and some people will see these applications as encouraging people to drink more.