HOW considerate of Blackburn with Darwen Council, to ensure public safety in licensed premises over the festive period (LET, December 16).

I think that everyone would like to see a high standard of health and safety in all pubs and clubs in the area. However, I'm afraid that this could be just another attempt to bash the long-suffering publican and musician yet again.

Over the next fortnight, certain pubs and clubs are going to be very busy indeed. It is, however, only those pubs with an entertainments licence that will be inspected by the council.

Overcrowding is only an issue if you have a licence -- pubs that do not possess one are free to do as they please!

Councillors like Maureen Bateson would be better off representing the people and winning a few votes, rather than inflicting their ill-informed, over-zealous opinions on people trying to earn a living!

G WARD, Elswick Street, Darwen.