THE landlord of one of Rossendale’s largest pubs fears trade will be badly hit after councillors reduced his opening hours.

Police called for a licensing review of The Queen’s, in Rawtenstall, amid claims that 44 incidents, including bar brawls and under-age drinking, had taken place there.

But publican David Welford has insisted the hostelry is being unfairly blamed for late-night problems at nearby takeaways, as it closes at 3am.

Licensing officer PC Mark Driver had asked Rossendale Council to cut back the pub’s closing time to midnight to tackle antisocial behaviour.

He told a licensing committee meeting: “Most of the crime disorder takes place after midnight.

"These include under-age drinking, assault, criminal damage and theft.

"Large numbers of customers gather outside the pub on Friday and Saturday nights intimidating passers-by and throwing bottles. It’s past last chance saloon time now.”

But Mr Welford said: “We have been implementing what the police have advised in the last few months and we have been working with them.

"We have more door staff, clickers to count the customers, and we close the downstairs bar at 12.30am on the weekend.”

The committee, Couns Alan Neal, Catherine Pilling, and Jimmy Eaton, decided The Queen’s will now close at 1.30am on the weekends, and all glasses after 7pm will be plastic.

Speaking later, Mr Welford said the cost of extra door staff and reduced hours would seriously affect business.

He said: “You are looking at 60per cent of the business for the week so, in my opinion, it will close.”