A BLACKBURN with Darwen councillor and member of the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) has hit back at critics who have labelled the council a 'killjoy' over its karaoke policy.

Coun Dave Smith, who represents the Sunnydale ward, said it was not Blackburn with Darwen Council's fault if it had to chase up complaints about pubs operating karaoke without an entertainment licence, because it was just implementing the law.

He said it was thanks to the council's policy of encouraging premises to apply for entertainment licences that Blackburn and Darwen have vibrant nightlife.

He said: "For the situation regarding karaoke, whether one likes it or not, it is illegal without an entertainment licence.

"This has been backed by the courts and by an investigation by the ombudsman. It is up to the Government to change these outdated laws with regard to entertainment.

"For the last 13 years it has been the council's policy to encourage premises to apply for entertainment licences.

"As a result, we see a vibrant nightlife where customers can now drink excellent real ale after 11.20pm in establishments such as the Charles Napier, Malt and Hops, Grapes and Jubilee in Blackburn and the Millstone in Darwen.

"Indeed the council and magistrates pioneered a situation where the borough has some of the most liberal licensing laws in the country.

"That's a situation now copied by many other authorities."