A NIGHTCLUB owner accused of allowing drugs to be supplied on his premises has denied he knew what was going on.

Anthony Ian Jackson said there was no truth whatsoever in any suggestions that he turned a blind eye to any dealing at Monroes in Great Harwood.

The 60-year-old businessman has been giving evidence at his Preston Crown Court trial and told the jury of a "zero-tolerance" policy regarding drugs at the club.

Jackson of Padiham Road, Sabden, now faces a single charge of knowingly permitting or suffering the supply of MDMA (ecstasy) in the club.

Judge Andrew Gilbart QC told the jury today he had formed a judgment that there was no evidence to support four other charges which the defendant had faced .

These were two accusations of being concerned in the supply of drugs and two of permitting premises to be used for drug supplying.

The jury will be asked to return not-guilty verdicts on those four allegations.

Jackson told the court he had operated the club for 11 years.

Ken Hind, defending, asked him: "Did you ever, between September 28, 2003, and February 15, 2004, permit the supply of ecstasy tablets in the club?"

The defendant replied "no".

Jackson went on to explain: "There were no drugs to be allowed into the premises. It was a zero tolerance."

Mr Hind also asked: "If there is any suggestion you looked the other way while dealers supplied drugs, is there any truth in that?"

"None whatsoever," replied Jackson.

He said the club had been set up through a firm of solicitors which drew up rules of membership.

Advice had also been taken from a prominent QC.

Monroes would be open all night, every Saturday night, playing house music.

Young people went there to hear the music and to socialise.

The club did not have a drinks licence and had apparently been the only one in the area operating all night, he said.

The prosecution have claimed that drugs was the reason for young people visiting the club, situated in the middle of nowhere and which has been described as a "hovel."