A BYE-LAW banning drinking in the streets of Burnley would be pointless and unhelpful councillors have been told.

A decision was deferred by Burnley Council's Public Protection Committee pending further talks with the police, licensees and other interested parties.

In August the committee agreed in principle to the introduction of a bye-law banning consumption of alcohol in streets. Now, following discussions with various interested parties, they were told there was evidence neither of a problem of a nature and scale to justify a bye-law nor the support of the people or organisations which would be needed to get it through and make it effective.

Community Safety Officer Graham Smythe said he could find little evidence of a problem of out-of-control public drinking across Burnley, a pre-requisite of the Home Office regulations.

The idea would seem, therefore, to fall at the first hurdle. The bye-law is not supported by Burnley licensees or town centre manager Carl Speight.

He has been working with police and licensees to develop a voluntary approach to prevent drinking in the streets becoming a problem.

Points expressed by councillors supporting a bye-law concern pub customers spilling out on to the streets on hot summer days, causing problems with overcrowding and possible intimidation.

There was also reports of predominantly young people drinking on street corners or in parks.

A bye-law was regarded as a heavy-handed approach when other powers were already available. It was described as a solution looking for a problem.

Costs of carrying out a consultation exercise are estimated at £7-8,000.

It was agreed carry out further investigations with the police and other bodies before a final decision was made.

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