Councils deny following Oldham

Three councils deny reports that they're meeting officials in Oldham to examine the authority's hard-line approach to licensing.

Oldham continues to make the headlines for its tough stance after seeking licence reviews at 22 pubs and clubs to force Draconian trading restrictions, including operating post office-style bar queues and paid-for police.

The council issued a press release naming five councils that are "arranging to send officers here to see how our initiative works for themselves", sparking fears that a similar approach could be adopted elsewhere.

But three of the authorities deny this is the case and one, Burnley, criticised Oldham's measures. "We think it's a lousy idea. It doesn't fit with my way of thinking," said Burnley's principle licensing officer Peter Henderson.

"At this moment in time Burnley Council won't go down the road of considering if it's a good idea [to follow Oldham] and we've no plans to visit Oldham."

A spokesman for Manchester City Council said: "I've asked all senior managers involved in trading standards and licensing and we don't know of any plans to send officers to Oldham."

A spokesman for Portsmouth City Council also denied it asked to visit the authority. A spokesman for Oldham maintained that interest from the councils is "genuine", saying it may have come from other individuals in the authorities.

Noctis executive director Paul Smith accused Oldham of "over-egging" the story, adding: "We appreciate why other councils may be cautious about replicating the Oldham experience, as a blanket approach to reviews seems to be illegal, but we understand it when councils feel frustrated that they're not making strides combating alcohol-related disorder.

"We continue to work with Oldham Council and hope for a positive outcome."