IT could be last orders for Lancaster's small pubs after planners gave the go-ahead for two more city centre boozers this week. Licensees claim Lancaster already has too many pubs and say they are concerned that the local authority continues to give big breweries permission to open new premises. This week planners approved a large new public house and restaurant in Dalton Square and a 'Varsity' pub aimed at students in George Street. And the Citizen can reveal that brewery giants, Bass, are said to be looking at developing a 'Scream' theme pub on Penny Street.

But George Whittaker, speaking on behalf of the Licensed Victuallers' Association, said he was pessimistic about the fate of the city's smaller establishments.

"We're concerned at the number of licensees being granted," he said, "They used to be given in proportion to the population but these days it's indiscriminate. The trade is not there. Go into any pub during the week and there is very little business. There's a big danger that the small, friendly pubs for which Lancaster is famous will disappear. I'm pessimistic for the future."

A city centre licensee, who asked to remain anonymous, said the large breweries selling cheap beer and food made it impossible for the smaller pubs to compete. He said: "The competition at the moment is already incredibly tough. Two more pubs on top of the four or five that have opened in the last couple of years will mean others will go under. Lancaster used to be full of different pubs full of character but these are going to the wall one by one. The authorities seem to give anything the go-ahead."

The Dalton Square plan will see the Town Hall Garages on Mary Street and a shop in the Square converted into a large public house and restaurant. Some traders objected saying it would 'cheapen' the area.

A former cycle shop in George Street will be converted into a 'Varsity' pub, which is specifically aimed at the city's student population.

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