ATTITUDES to the running of bars and pubs are changing.

In the past as long as drinkers were not served after hours and police were not repeatedly being called in because of violence and drug taking there was little chance of those running pubs losing their licences.

But a determination to do something about the upsurge in binge drinking that has blighted so many town and city centres on Friday and Saturday nights looks like changing that.

Next year councils take over from magistrates the responsibility for licensing issues and today we hear that Blackburn with Darwen Council want those applying for licences to produce business plans which will include details - and justification - of any 'happy hour' or two-for-one promotions.

Councillors will look at the plans and consider the effect they might have on the community before any approval is given. Also if publicans deviate from the plans and binge drinking problems result councillors say licences will be removed because they are keen to use their new power "to make the town centres safe."

Such action is sorely needed.

But councillors also have a duty to make their guidelines crystal clear so that those whose livelihoods depend on town centre bars and pubs know exactly where they stand.