LTC unveils pioneering pub scheme

The Licensed Trade Charity has unveiled plans for a pioneering scheme to open a new pub staffed by young people with learning difficulties.

The LTC says it wants to use its experience running the Hassocks special school in Sayers Common, West Sussex, to give youngsters the chance to work in a real pub environment.

The plans were revealed by LTC chief executive Jim Brewster when he addressed the Federation Of Licensed Victuallers Associations annual meeting in Blackpool this week.

"This is a long term plan but I am very excited at the prospect of creating a special pub where youngsters with learning difficulties can operate in a real working environment.

"Its not going to happen overnight and much will depend on support from the trade but I believe this is a scheme which will work.

"We have learnt a great deal from our experience running the Hassocks school and we want to put this to good use," he said.

LTC education chairman Anita Adams said the idea was not a pipe dream.

"The idea is to create a working pub environment where youngsters would carry out real jobs under the supervision of qualified adult staff.

"Knowing all about the pupils at the Hassocks and their capabilities I see no reason why these youngsters should not be able to train and qualify for a proper career,

"Its an idea which we are actively considering although it is not possible to go into too much detail at the moment.

"There are a lot of parents who have children with special needs, including licensees, who must would welcome the chance to see them given the chance to ewxperience life in the real world," she said.