What councillors want Fred to spell out on pubs legislation

IT may sound like the sort of storyline which would get you reaching for the remote control.

But councillors at one East Lancashire authority reckon changing licensing laws could be a real ratings winner!

Elected members in Ribble Valley have written to the producers of Coronation Street, EastEnders and Emmerdale asking them to help raise awareness about new licensing laws.

As of next February, laws which have restricted the opening times of pubs are set to be repealed, with sole responsibility for licensing of venues placed on local councils, rather than magistrates.

The changes are set to pave the way for 24-hour pubs, and it will be a lot of easier for pubs and clubs to get longer opening hours.

But with only six months until the change takes effect, councillors in the Ribble Valley fear residents are ignorant to the changes - and could end up with a pub near them opening longer.

They have asked bosses at the BBC and Granada Television to feature the new laws in a soap opera.

Whalley councillor Chris Sterry, chairman of the council's new licensing committee, said: "We are in the process of contacting licensees outlining the provisions of the Act and how it is likely to affect them.

"But we also want residents to be aware of their right to make representations on individual applications and a storyline in a soap seemed the perfect way.

"We are sure that Fred Elliott of the Rovers Return would have plenty to say on the matter!"

At the moment, pubs close at the same time, but the government wants a more continental culture with staggered opening and closing times.

But critics claim people will gravitate towards pubs that are open the longest and the changes will exacerbate Britain's binge drinking culture.

Ribble Valley director of legal services Paul Timson added: "Premises that want to operate the same way will simply apply for a conversion licence, but local authorities could face applications from premises wanting to become mini-nightclubs. Such applications will be determined by public hearings in the council chamber where residents and licensees will be able to have their say.

"I can confirm I have been asked by councillors to write to the BBC and Granada Television requesting a storyline in Coronation Street and EastEnders as a way of highlighting the new law."

A spokesman for Granada, said: "We receive many requests and suggestions for plot-lines and sometimes do incorporate current events. We give each and every one careful consideration."