THE GUV'NOR

Dave Daly, licensee of Cahoots in Blackpool and chairman of the National Association of Licensed House Managers

If underage drinking is to be eliminated, pubcos should invest in alcohol-free pubs for youngsters

Cutting test purchase failures to almost zero by the end of the year is totally impossible in my view. We have positively turned the corner but, no matter what levels of training you put in place and no matter how many times you tell your bar and doorstaff, the odd one will always have the means to get in.

It may only take a small lapse by a member of staff for that to happen.

It is no wonder that 16-year-olds try to get into pubs because that is where the music and excitement are.

My personal view is that they are better off inside because we can keep an eye on them. Maybe the situation won't be sorted out until national ID cards come in.

The industry could do a little more though. You could run a profitable pub without alcohol. There is definitely room for an entrepreneur or pubco to set up alcohol-free pubs for the youngsters in large towns.

You could have everything you would find in a normal pub such as music, pool, DJs, doorstaff and barmen but no booze. You would need plenty of rules, such as breath testing before entry, but it could work. It would help them get used to busy atmospheres before we get them.

There is no doubt that the sting operations have led to a tightening of restrictions and we are far better at stopping underage drinkers than we used to be, but we are living in constant fear. It is pretty frightening. Police now feel like a second level of area managers.

For us managers it is very serious - if we commit three offences in Blackpool our personal licence is suspended for six months. That would mean losing your job.

We are also having problems recruiting staff because of the threat of £80 fines. It is unfair to hold the threat over our heads. An over-zealous police force can make your life hell.

While the concentration is fully on alcohol, drugs are becoming more freely available and you can get them without much trouble.

You can have them delivered to you - all it takes is a call to a mobile. Maybe targeting alcohol is the easier option.