Lancashire Police object to Preston Guild Hall late night alcohol plan
Police have objected to an application by Preston's Guild Hall to be able to sell alcohol until 06:00.
The venue, council owned until 2014, wants the late-night alcohol licence as part of plans to open 24 hours a day. Preston city councillors will discuss the application - as well as Lancashire Police's reasons for opposing it - at a meeting later. Police are worried that an extended licence could result in more crime and anti-social behaviour. The force said the plans would have a "significant impact" on the policing of the night-time economy and "change the face and nature" of the 44-year-old venue. It said the move could encourage other venues to seek later licences - fuelling even more crime and disorder in the city centre.