Leyland pub late-night licence considered by council

South Ribble Council will discuss a bid for a later licence at Barristers pub in Leyland, which wants to extend its opening hours.

The council’s licensing committee decided to cut its hours last year because of police fears of anti-social behaviour while the pub was under a previous tenant, and the owner now wants to reinstate them.

But objections have been raised by police, the council and environmental health to the application.

They agree there have been no issues since the licence was amended, but fear problems could return if the new hours are granted.

Pub owner Darren Miller said: “It’s not been a problem pub while I’ve had it - I’ve run it since January and it’s probably been the cleanest pub in Leyland.”

He has applied to sell alcohol on a Friday and Saturday until 2am, and to open until 3am on those days.

He said he thought the clampdown on late-night licences across the county was partly to do with police issues of resources.

Earlier this week, an application was granted for Preston nightclub Blitz to open until 4.30am.

The police had objected to the bid, over fears it would lead to an increase in violent crime or anti-social behaviour in the city’s cumulative impact policy area or “red zone”.

The meeting heard the city’s “red zone” could be extended further along Friargate, with the issues of crime and disorder in the CIP area still of concern to police.

Licensing sergeant Tony Bushell told the Preston Council hearing there was a “significant reduction” in the number of officers at 4am or 4.30am.

He said: “They are relying on night shift officers who have a duty to manage the night-time economy and also to respond to emergency calls for the whole of Preston city like Lea and Fulwood - that’s the issue.

“From a divisional basis, senior management teams are very concerned about the gradual creep of premises opening later.”

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