Cheap drinks 'should be banned'
Drink offers allowing revellers to drink as much alcohol as they want for a set price should be banned, in a bid to stop alcohol-fuelled violence in Telford, a licensing chief warned today. Drink offers allowing revellers to drink as much alcohol as they want for a set price should be banned, in a bid to stop alcohol-fuelled violence in Telford, a licensing chief warned today. Paul Homersley, police licensing officer, recently issued a closure order for the first time in the borough, forcing Brileighs nightclub in Oakengates to close its doors during one of the busiest nights of the week. Mr Homersley warned he would issue more closure orders if public safety was at risk and said an increase in drink promotions were to blame for a rise in alcohol related incidents. He said venues were now offering "wrist band" nights where customers paid a set fee for the night, allowing them to drink as much as they wanted. Read the full story in the Shropshire Star.
Drink offers allowing revellers to drink as much alcohol as they want for a set price should be banned, in a bid to stop alcohol-fuelled violence in Telford, a licensing chief warned today.
Paul Homersley, police licensing officer, recently issued a closure order for the first time in the borough, forcing Brileighs nightclub in Oakengates to close its doors during one of the busiest nights of the week.
Mr Homersley warned he would issue more closure orders if public safety was at risk and said an increase in drink promotions were to blame for a rise in alcohol related incidents.
He said venues were now offering "wrist band" nights where customers paid a set fee for the night, allowing them to drink as much as they wanted.
He said he could not get a blanket ban on all drinks promotions as they were not unlawful but hoped to make changes to curb "irresponsible" drinking.
"The problem with drinks promotions is they are not unlawful, but they do cause problems," he said. "People have a right to trade and offer discounts.
"What I would like to see and what the police would like to do nationwide is put a ban on the type of drink promotions that are irresponsible.
Brileighs in Oakengates has been allowed to reopen following a weekend brawl which left three people in hospital.
Telford & Wrekin Council will hold a licensing review hearing on Monday, July 2 to decide the future of the club. A police investigation is also under way.
Mr Homersley said the unprecedented action should act as a warning to other licensees.
He added: "Oakengates has been pretty constant on doing wristband type promotions, while the other clubs around the area have had varied promotions.
"I would definitely say drinks promotions do lead to an increase in alcohol related disorder. Oakengates is a hot spot.
"Brileighs was the first closure order we have issued since the new laws came in in 2005 which was to deal with a nasty assault.
"It's a very drastic measure and not one taken lightly but it is a power that the police can and will use."
But he stressed there were sensible licensees who offered discounts which do not cause problems.
By Kirsty Marston