Pubs giant signs the pledge to cut trouble

THE firm behind two of Oldham’s busiest pubs has agreed new licensing conditions in a bid to reduce booze related trouble in the town centre.

Wetherspoon, which runs The Up Steps Inn and The Squire Knott, has pledged to do more to tackle irresponsible behaviour.

The pubs were to be the first to attend a formal hearing after Trading Standards sought a review of all 22 town centre premises.

Caroline Davanzo, manager of The Squire Knott, has recently been elected chair of the Town Centre’s Pub Watch scheme giving her a vital role to play in making licensed premises more socially responsible.

Councillor Mark Alcock, cabinet member for infrastructure and environment, said: “I am pleased that Wetherspoon has set a clear example for the trade in both accepting its share of responsibility for poor behaviour in the town centre and in offering its full support to improving our town centre for the benefit of all residents and visitors.”

John Hutson, CEO of Wetherspoon said: “Wetherspoon wants what any sensible person wants, which is a safe and friendly environment where people can enjoy themselves.

“By working closely with the local authority, trading standards and the police, I am confident we can contribute to an improvement in standards in pubs and bars in the town centre.”

As a part of the deal, Wetherspoon will work with the council and the police to assess future drinks promotions to make sure they will not contribute to crime or affect public safety.

The agreement means that a hearing will not now be necessary for these two pubs. However, the other 20 premises currently being reviewed will continue to the hearings stage unless deals can be struck.



Card gives you licence to drink



OLDHAM nightclubbers are encouraged to carry a Justif:ID card when boozing in the town centre.



Greater Manchester Police and Connexions have joined together to promote the proof of age card to make sure licensees don’t serve underage drinkers.

Sergeant Russ Magnall, of the town centre neighbourhood policing team, said: “We have had some incidents where young people have tried entering pubs and clubs using false ID.

“By encouraging drinkers to get one of these cards we can make sure that licensees are abiding by the law, which in turn helps us fight drink related anti-social behaviour.”

Local pubs and clubs have adopted the “Think 25” policy with a similar “Think 21” policy also in place for off licences.

This means to get served in either of these premises you must look older than the respective ages or have ID to prove otherwise. At the moment many pubs, clubs and off-licences demand a passport or driving license as a proof of age.

But some people don’t like carrying these important documents around in case they get stolen or damaged.

The card is available for people who are aged between 18 and 25 from The Centre at Connexions in Union Street.

Application forms are being distributed throughout Oldham’s pubs and clubs. The card application will be subject to vetting.