Treat rogue pubs 'like crack houses' says Blunkett

Home secretary David Blunkett has urged police and councils to tackle rogue pubs with the same vigour that is being used to shut crack houses.

Mr Blunkett said pubs known to be contributing to late night disorder and anti-social behaviour must be shut down under the extended powers given to police.

He told the BBC's Today radio programme that in recent weeks the police "have closed down dozens of crack houses, and we can do the same with pubs, if there is the will at local level."

The home secretary urged police and local authorities to make full use of their powers to order emergency one day closures, and to follow up by considering permanent withdrawal of licences.

Mr Blunkett said the rise of town centre 'vertical drinking' pubs, in some cases with capacities running into thousands, threatened to undermine the aim of licensing reform to create a more civilised drinking culture.

However, he said the Licensing Act also gives new powers to control problem pubs, and places greater responsibilities on licensees. Brewers and pub owners have to take responsibility for the problem created by the type of pub they operate, said the home secretary.

He was responding to concerns raised by the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) about policing priorities. Some forces are concerned that the priority being placed by the government on low level crime and disorder could divert police resources from tackling more serious crime.

Mr Blunkett insisted the new category of community police offices, given proper training, would be equipped to deal with anti-social behaviour.