Pendle pubs under 24-hour scrutiny
Pendle residents in Lancashire are being urged to report pubs, clubs and off-licences selling alcohol to under-18s via a new 24-hour hotline.
Pendle Council has set up Alcoline for residents who are "concerned about how a pub, club or off licence operates". Residents can call to report:
• Pubs, clubs and off licences selling alcohol to under 18s
• Adults buying alcohol for under-18s
• Children and young people asking adults to buy alcohol for them
• Premises that sell alcohol operating without a licence or not operating within the terms of their licence
"Underage drinking is a big problem nationally, not just in Pendle," said Councillor Linda Crossley. "Some residents have been confused about who to contact to complain about pubs, clubs or off licences.
"It's Pendle Council that deals with these complaints — we have a dedicated Licensing Enforcement Officer whose job it is to make sure that licensed premises are operating within the law. If they aren't, they face tough penalties which include losing their licence."
Mick Armfield, the Council's Licensing Enforcement Officer, added: "When a resident calls Alcoline to report a problem, if we're already out and about in that area, we will go and investigate the same evening.
"This new approach to taking complaints from residents will mean a quicker response to some problems.
"Underage drinking tends to happen more on Friday and Saturday nights."
A similar scheme already operates in Westmintser. One licensee, who wished to remain anonymous, called the new service a "snooper's charter".
Morning Advertiser legal guru Peter Coulson said: "There is nothing unlawful about this. It is part of the Licneisng Act to give local people more of a say."
