A PUBLICAN today slammed councillors as 'karaoke crazy' after being prosecuted under public entertainment laws -- a week after they announced a review of their policy.

Clifford Critchley of the Cemetery pub, Bolton Road, Darwen, said Blackburn with Darwen Council's blinkered approach was driving licensees out of business while neighbouring authorities turned a blind eye, helping their landlords thrive and prosper.

Mr Critchley, who has been in the trade for 25 years, was speaking after being convicted of being involved in the management of unlicensed public entertainment.

He said the conviction left him deeply disappointed and he labelled the decision to prosecute in the first place as an "absolute disgrace."

Blackburn with Darwen is one of just a handful of authorities to demand super-safe pyro-wiring -- which costs thousands to install -- must be used before public entertainment licences are granted.

Other authorities, including Burnley, Bolton and Hyndburn do not request pyro-wiring -- and a Home Office circular suggested some councils were being too strict.

A licence is needed for karaoke because it is deemed more than two people could be on stage at any one time.

After the case, Mr Critchley said: "They say they are looking into whether they need to take a different approach but the approach they have taken so far has just cost me over £500.

"To call them karaoke crazy is an understatement.

"In places like Oswaldtwistle, Accrington, Bolton and Chorley, the local authorities turn a blind eye and everyone is happy."

Mr Critchley had pleaded not guilty to an offence under public entertainment laws which demands that pubs staging karaoke should have a public entertainments licence.