COUNCIL chiefs are to review their policy on demanding state-of-the-art wiring be installed at pubs before public entertainment licences are granted.

Council officers have been instructed to contact other authorities in the North West to find out what conditions they attach to the granting of public entertainment licences.

The move comes after a storm erupted following the prosecution of Blackburn Licensed Victuallers' Association chairman Derek Haworth last month where he was given a conditional discharge and ordered to pay £260 costs.

He had run a karaoke evening without obtaining a public entertainment licence.

Under current rules accepted across the country, pubs can put on solo artists or double acts or discos without a public entertainment licence.

But for large group performances or karaoke nights, a public entertainment licence.

Blackburn with Darwen insists on pubs installing pyro-wiring at a cost of thousands of pounds to landlords before a licence will be issued.

Pyro-wiring is a thick form of wiring which cannot be damaged by electrical faults. Some landlords claim existing systems in pubs, like circuit breakers, fire-proof furniture and ample fire exits mean pyro-wiring is just excessive.

A Home Office circular has urged councils to treat every case on its merits -- claiming some councils were either charging too much for licences, or like Blackburn with Darwen, placing too harsh conditions on pubs.

After weathering a storm of protest from opposition councillors, executive member for rights, advice and entitlements, Coun Maureen Bateson said: "We are currently undertaking a further consultation to find out what other authorities do.

"We we also be trying to find out what the Home Office thinks is acceptable and getting the opinions of our local MPs.

"While we appreciate that there are many issues to consider, public safety is first and foremost to our minds."

"I would like to add that our officers do not go around checking up on people, they simply respond to complaints and inquiries."

Coun David Foster told a meeting: "It seems our pubs are at a disadvantage, especially the ones closer to the borders with other areas."

Gerry Bell, who owns several pubs in Blackburn, believes pubs should swallow the cost -- as he did to the tune of £47,000 at the Ewood Arms -- and work towards creating a better nightlife in suburbs.

But the LVA has said the rules are excessive and has called for an 'even playing field' between local neighbouring authorities.

Geoff Sutcliffe, of the Rising Sun in Wilpshire, said: "Blackburn with Darwen is much stricter than everywhere else."

Gerry Bell, who has installed pyro-wiring, said: "People need to face facts. If they break the law, they will be punished." Why should they not have to fulfil the same criteria as me? I spent £47,500 getting pyro-wiring in and I am still paying it back."

"People need to face facts and accept that the rules are the rules and rather than complain about them, work with them.

Mr Haworth said: "Other councils are not as strict so why should Blackburn be? Many of us just cannot afford to close while the work is done."