Developer plans teenage pubs

Empty and redundant public houses could get a new lease of life if plans to set up a chain of dedicated "teenage pubs" take off.

Lancashire-based regeneration developer Partnership Projects says it is working with three major pubcos to identify outlets that can house the new concept.

The first venue is set to open its doors in either Crewe or Merseyside within three months with three further openings following on.

The initiative has already received policy support from Government departments including the Home Office, which has agreed to fund early work on one of the first projects.

Partnership Projects managing director Andrew Harris said alcohol-free pubs servicing the 13 to 19-year-old age group could help reduce crime, address substance misuse and encourage future adults to drink responsibly.

The new pubs will offer the same services as any standard public house business except for alcohol and gambling.

"We have done a tremendous amount of research into the concept of a teenage pub including polling youngsters themselves about what they wanted from these new outlets.

"Basically they are looking for the same services as adults, which means entertainment, games, music, soft drinks and convenience food," Harris revealed.

He said the new pubs would be designed in distinctive style to give the right sort of appeal to a younger clientele.

Each pub will be run by a local "not-for-profit company" that will comprise local agencies helped by a shadow board of teenagers.

It is hoped funding will help meet start-up and firstyear running costs, which will total up to £60,000 for each venue.

The pubs are expected to become self-financing after the first year of operations.

Agencies that have helped Partnership Projects to launch the new scheme include the Government Youth Task Force, the Department for Children Schools & Families, the Home Office and the British Beer & Pub Association.