REGARDING recent letters highlighting concerns over prosecuting for unlicensed public entertainment, Blackburn with Darwen Council always offers advice to licensees on the type of entertainment that can be provided without an entertainment license.

Even when complaints have been recieved, informal advice is given. It is only when licensees continue to ignore verbal and written advice that action in the courts is instigated.

Two years ago, the Council sought advice from the Home Office and other local authorities. It was found that Blackburn with Darwen Council had similar standards to the majority of other authorities in that they followed the guidance standards set by the Home Office.

We have recently written to the Department of Culture Media and Sport to establish whether guidance has changed and to try and confirm for national licensing reform. When this information is recieved, the Council will consider whether now is an appropiate time to review the current licensing standards.

The Council accepts that the legislation regarding the entertainment in pubs is in urgent need of modernisation, but whilst the current legislation remains and complaints continue to be made to the Council regarding unlicensed entertainment, officers have no alternative but to investigate.

I can confirm that the number of establishments currently licensed by the Council has increased considerably over the past couple of years. There are now more than 80 premises in the borough which have necessart license.

The biggest increase has been in town-centre premises and this undoutably contributes to the vibrant town-centre weekend evening economy that can be witnessed on Friday and Saturday evenings in both town centres.

MAUREEN BATESON (Coun), Executive Member for Citizens Rights and Consumer Affairs, Blackburn with Darwen Council.