Blackpool to tighten policy

Blackpool Council is reportedly trying to "beef up" its saturation policy after JD Wetherspoon (JDW) was granted a new licence in the saturation zone.

In an unusual move, JDW was granted a licence despite objections from police. To secure a new licence in a

saturation zone, applicants must prove their presence will not fuel disorder.

The granting of the licence was criticised by some local licensees.

Council leader Peter Callow told the Gazette newspaper: "I am as concerned as many of your readers to see the granting of a licence to JDW to open a pub in the old Pricebusters building.

"In the circumstances, I have called for an urgent report from our legal team detailing how the council's licensing policy has operated to date and suggesting ways in which it may be strengthened in order to ensure our saturation policy, aimed at making Blackpool a family-friendly resort once again, will be able to be consistently upheld.

"There are more than enough opportunities to drink in Blackpool already."

The MA asked for a comment from the council but received no response.