A TOWN centre pub has adopted a lower strength alcopop in a bid to curb drunken behaviour.
Bar Java, in Wellington Fold, Darwen, has started to sell the drink Java, produced by Surrey-based Coors brewery, which has one per cent less alcohol than other alcopop brands and is available in five flavours.
A spokesman for the Portman Group, an organisation which aims to reduce the misuse of alcohol, said that while the alcoholic content was less than most alcopops, health would still be damaged if drinkers consumed large amounts.
Julia Bracewell, the venue's manager, said with figures on alcohol related illness increasing, she wanted to offer customers a less potent drink.
She said door staff would ensure that people under the age of 18, attracted by the alcopop, were kept out.
"We want to offer a desirable and equally good range to our customers and take into consideration their health and well-being," she said.
"Java is sold as our house drink and because the drink contains less alcohol, it is less harmful to the clubbing market who want to have a good time."
The chairman of Blackburn with Darwen Council's licensing committee, Jim Blackburn, said: "I suppose any lowering of the alcohol content in drinks is welcome."
Coun Blackburn added that he hoped the new drink would not be marketed specifically at young people.
The new drink has been on sale all week and its already a hit with the customers.
Julia added: "It is aimed at the clubbing market and gives people a good alternative to other drinks. And because it has less alcohol its cheaper too.
"It's going down really well already.
"It's great for us because it is like our 'house' drink."
The spokesman for the Portman Group said: "Most of the alcopop drinks are normally around five per cent.
"Whether four per cent is better for you depends on what you do with it."
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