Decision made on Blackpool bar’s licence bid after police concerns

Friday, 30 January 2026 10:15

By Richard Hunt

A Blackpool bar’s bid for a variation of its premises licence has been refused after police raised concerns.

Members of Blackpool Council’s Licensing Panel needed to consider a proposed variation of the designated premises supervisor (DPS) for the venue known as Pinkies, at 14 Dickson Road.

Councillors needed to consider whether the granting of this licence would adversely impact on the crime prevention objective.

Lancashire Police had raised concerns that the designated supervisor would not be in the best position to take on that role because he was already supervising two other bars.

All the licensed premises were in busy locations close to Blackpool town centre.

A statement from Lancashire Police said: “On behalf of the Chief Officer of Police, having reviewed the application the Police make formal objections on the following grounds.

“Ian Roche is already the DPS for Boo Bar, Abingdon Street, Blackpool and Big Cats on Talbot Road, Blackpool.

“Both of these venues operate late night licences in a busy area which carries a level of risk that requires a DPS to be able to commit their attention to the day to day running of the premises.

“I do not believe that Ian Roche being DPS on a third premises supports the licensing objectives.”

Applicant Lyndsey Ann Whiteside wanted the licence to allow the venue to sell alcohol by retail and regulated entertainment on Monday to Sunday from 10am to 2pm.

Cllr Emma Ellispn, who was on the Licensing panel, said: “We agreed that it would be too much for the licence holder to have that role for three busy bars.”