Sponsored by
Blackpool pub policy branded a joke
BLACKPOOL'S saturation policy – designed to stop more pubs opening in the town centre – was today branded "a joke".
And one pub boss has launched a stinging attack on licensing chiefs after they gave permission for a new JD Wetherspoon pub to open next year – despite the objections of police.
Dave Daly, licensee of The Castle, and president of the National Association of Licensed House Managers, said new outlets will lead to a price war.
He accused licensing chiefs at Blackpool Council of not knowing what they were doing in granting the licence this week and claimed adding more pubs in the resort will ruin trade for decent, hard-working businesses.
What do you think of the new pubs in our town centre? Leave your comments below.
His attack on the council comes just 24 hours after Wetherspoon's was granted a licence to open a Bank Hey Street bar and restaurant, just a few hundred yards from a similar bar on Market Street.
Police objected to the licence but today said that conditions attached to the new bar will help reduce crime and disorder in the town centre.
Mr Daly said: "It's a joke, the licensing panel don't know what they are doing. It's a disgrace which will see more drinkers on the street and more pubs closing down.
"Wetherspoon's is known for its cheap drinks promotions and this will only encourage more pubs to do the same.
"The council's lack of vision is shocking here. I understand that conditions have been applied but to put a large pub in the middle of a revamped retail area is not a good idea.
"We should be attracting big-name restaurant chains to the town centre, instead we are doing the opposite."
The boss of Blackpool Nightsafe said he was disappointed with the decision but pleased with the conditions placed on the new pub which include door staff, a ban on under-16s after 9pm, and round-the-clock CCTV surveillance.
Sgt Billy Giffin added: "The police are disappointed. However, with the conditions in place it should at least help to reduce crime and disorder in the town centre.
"More drinking establishments will encourage more drinkers but we are aware that Wetherspoon's does have a good reputation for security."
Blackpool's town centre manager Lee Paddock said: "If the place is going to be food orientated, I think it will benefit the area.
"I have real concerns if it turns out to be another 'vertical' drinking bar.
During the licensing proceedings, Wetherspoon's operating director Mark Keegan defended the chain's reputation.
He said: "We promote a family friendly atmosphere and are confident that we will do the same in Blackpool."
Coun Jim Houldsworth, chairman of the licensing committee, said: "We believe Wetherspoon's is not like many of the other town centre pubs.
"It will serve food and the majority of it will be seated.
"The council wants to encourage more family dining to the town centre and we feel this pub will do just that."
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Blackpool
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 13 C to 24 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
