JDW licence defies police

Blackpool Council overrules objections

JD Wetherspoon (JDW) has secured a new licence in Blackpool's town-centre saturation zone, despite police objections.

The decision came after it satisfied the licensing committee that the pub would not increase alcohol-fuelled disorder in the zone.

Normally such applications would be refused, especially if opposed by police; in this case they feared the planned 300-capacity site on Bank Hey Street could fuel alcohol-related problems.

Last year JDW was granted a new licence for a 1,000-capacity venue on nearby Market Street.

JDW said its "family friendly" Bank Hey Street venue wouldn't encourage vertical drinking because seating would be provided on 50% of the ground space. Food would be served every day from 9am until 10pm.

The licence was granted on condition that CCTV operates throughout.

The council licensing panel said: "In reaching our decision we took into consideration the fact that JDW is a responsible operator that works closely with the police and local authority."

JDW spokesman Eddie Gershon said: "As always, we stressed that our pubs are extremely well run and an asset to an area."

MA legal editor Peter Coulson said: "The burden of proof is on the applicant, who has to overturn the presumption that the licence will be refused. JDW must have done well to show its outlet would not have an impact on known problems in such a high-profile area."

n Coulson — p29