AN alcohol charity today welcomed a pub chain's decision to ban the sale of controversial alcopops and said: "Let's hope every bar in East Lancashire now does the same."

J D Wetherspoon announced it was axing the strong, fruit-flavoured drinks from all of its 194 bars, including the Postal Order, Darwen Street, Blackburn.

And Blackburn brewer Daniel Thwaites said it was keeping its eye on the alcopop situation before deciding whether to take any action.

J D Wetherspoon said it no longer wanted to be associated with the drinks, which have been slammed for attracting teenagers to booze.

It says it took the decision, despite selling between 10,000 and 15,000 bottles each week.

Lancashire and Greater Manchester Regional Council on Alcohol, said it was delighted with the move.

Chief executive Liz Smith said: "It's tremendous news and we now hope this will set the trend for other pub operators.

"There has been a tremendous public feeling over these alcohol-laced fruit drinks and obviously Wetherspoon is responding to that.

"Children as young as 10 have been getting their hands on alcopops, so the sooner they are banned from everywhere the better.

"Wetherspoon can probably afford to ban the drinks but every pub in East Lancashire should now follow this lead. It's a small price to pay when you compare what damage they do to young people."

A Thwaites spokesman said: "We are keeping a careful check on what the Government decides in relation to alcopops. "We are a responsible brewer with a responsible attitude and that extends to the considerable sales training given to all managers and staff. If there comes a time when action is needed, we will take action."

Supermarket chain Co-Op recently announced it was taking the drinks off its shelves as Home Secretary and Blackburn MP Jack Straw launched an inquiry into the beverages.

Blackburn ambulance crews regularly deal with under-age drinkers who black out after boozing sessions on alcopops.

They have even dubbed Fridays "White Lightning Night" because of the number of youngsters found unconscious after bingeing on the strong cider drink.

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