POLICE have called for a drinking ban outside a working men’s club during the Bacup Carnival.

Th’Owd Con Club, in Irwell Terrace, Bacup, has applied to Rossendale Council for a temporary event licence to install an outside bar, including a barbecue, on Sunday, June 26.

But police said there had been problems with drunken troublemakers which have blighted the carnival in the past.

PC Mark Driver, police licensing officer, said: “The police have no concerns over the provision of a barbecue but as this does not constitute licensable activity no authorisation would be needed.

“The concerns relate solely to the provision of a bar outside and how this area will be effectively managed and supervised.

“There have been recent incidents of disorder within this area of the premises which have led to damage being caused and persons arrested for public disorder.”

Police said the car park had no boundary and it would result in revellers spilling out into the town centre and the alcohol control zone.

PC Driver added: “Historically, alcohol fuelled disorder has blighted the carnival festivities, spoiling the occasion for those involved and those attending, and the police feel that this kind of authorisation can only serve to undermine the prevention of crime and disorder.”

The application was to hold a barbecue and outside bar serving alcohol from 10am to 8pm.

A final decision will be made at a Rossendale Council meeting on Monday.

The club declined to comment.