News Article Comments : Oldham hits all its bars with reviews

Trading standards have ordered licence reviews of all 22 pubs and clubs in central Oldham to force draconian restrictions on trading — including operating “post office-style” bar queues.

Making venues pay for police, banning customers ordering more than two drinks per visit to the bar and banning drinking in queues are among the alarming measures proposed.

It’s believed to be the first time a review of all licences has been called in one go. The British Beer & Pub Association backed Oldham’s “objective”. Noctis and JD Wetherspoon expressed serious concern, and they all question the legality of the move.

The news follows an escalation in drinks promotions, with several bars running all-inclusive drinks deals. Last week the licence of Brownz in Yorkshire Street was suspended for 28 days after stabbings on the street. Oldham said the promotions cause “greater drunkenness” and “a rise in crime and disorder”.

Cllr Mark Alcock said its move is to “help us ensure town-centre bars can oper