Blackpool pubwatch: EMRO will lead to breakdown of relationship between trade and authorities

16-May-2013 - Last updated on 17-May-2013 at 07:10 GMT

Night-time economy: pubs in Blackpool may not be allowed to sell alcohol after 3am

Blackpool’s pubwatch chair has said that restricting pub opening hours in the city could lead to a break down in the relationship between the trade, police and council.

Craig Southall’s comments come after Blackpool Council confirmed that it will consult on an early morning restriction order (EMRO) that will cover an area within the city centre.

All premises in the area licensed for the sale and supply of alcohol beyond 3am would have those hours restricted to 3am. The consultation will begin on 5 June, and will run for 42 days.

Southall said: “We feel as though there is no need for it because there are far more avenues to explore. It’s definitely the wrong road to go down and needless. It’s like cracking a walnut with a sledgehammer.

“There’s a potential for the partnerships between the police, council and the trade to break down.”

Southall added that he will now have another pubwatch meeting to discuss what the next steps are.

Dave Daly of the Castle Hotel and north-west chairman of Licensees Unite added: “I’m up in arms. We spent four hours in that meeting. We have had to attack them from a pub level. I’ve worked tirelessly. The pub owners have said that there will be a war. It will damage the whole of the business.

“People who run pubs should have the right to block this. We should not have to rely on lawyers. We did our best but we failed.”

Councillor Gillian Campbell, cabinet member for public protection, said: “I’m delighted that the committee has agreed to a formal consultation on the EMRO.

“This is option that we want to explore for Blackpool and we believe it will bring benefits to the whole community. However before any decision is made it’s only right and proper that a full consultation takes place.

“The licensed trade has already been very vocal in its views about a proposed early morning restriction order. I would like to think that we can all agree that it is better for Blackpool to have a safer and more sustainable night-time economy.

“This is a suggested order that we think will help us reach that goal. We will take on board views from both residents and businesses alike before a final decision is made.”

At the end of March, Blackpool decided to delay its decision to consult on EMRO proposals after meeting with the trade.