Interest spreads in booze crackdown

LOCAL authorities from as far afield as Cornwall and Cumbria are queuing up to visit Oldham to find out more about new licensing rules designed to crack down on drunken troublemakers.

Council bosses in Cornwall have confirmed that they looking to Oldham’s example to help tackle binge drinking in Newquay.

The seaside resort has become a magnet for young revellers in recent years, with students heading down to the resort in their droves each summer to celebrate the end of their exams.

The Cornish party spot hit the headlines earlier this year when Andrew Curwell (18), from Delph, and Paddy Higgins (16), from Wokingham in Berkshire, were found dead at the bottom of cliffs in the resort.

Now council bosses are keeping a keen eye on Oldham’s moves to review the licenses of 22 town centre drinking establishments, with plans to introduce strict regulations in bars which sell cheap drinks.

The restrictions, which will apply to bars which are selling alcohol for less than 75p a unit (£1.88 for a pint of strong lager) will include making bars pay for an extra police presence in the premises and not allowing revellers to buy more than two drinks at a time.

Guy Thomas, the Newquay town centre manager, said: “We are hoping to liaise with Oldham Council to develop a working relationship with them. We also hope to share information and be able to learn from our respective towns experiences.”

Councillor Mark Alcock confirmed that a number of different councils had approached Oldham since the airing of a “Panorama” programme last Monday, which showcased the clampdown on binge drinking. Council officers from Portsmouth and Bury have already arranged a visit in September and Oldham is expecting more to follow, including officials from Barrow.

Speaking in the Barrow-based North-West Evening Mail, South Cumbria’s chief superintendent, Paul Kennedy, said that he would be keeping an open mind about implementing future initiatives.

He said: “The challenge which many towns like Barrow and Oldham face is how to ensure that people are free to enjoy a night out while at the same time making sure that the town is a safe place for everyone.

“Barrow differs from Oldham in many ways and in recent times we have seen the level of night time violence reduce considerably, but we will certainly keep an open mind on how we can continue to make Barrow safe.”