THE Guernsey Licensed Victuallers’ Association has avoided having to call last orders. After a warning that it could fold without more support, some 35 members of the trade attended its AGM at Les Rocquettes Hotel last night, ensuring its continuation.

Licensees had been told that a united front was important as they faced increasing threats from under-age drinkers with false IDs, including passports and driving licences.

Annette and Eain Blows of the Salerie Inn were fed up with false IDs and the attitude of some youngsters.

‘They come back and try to get back at you when you refuse them – there are a load of drugs issues and kids being high,’ said Mrs Blows.

‘We have been threatened with petrol cans and scaffold poles by young people.’

Licensees have found quarter-bottles of vodka on their premises which might have been used to top-up soft drinks, but have lacked the proof to take action.

Micky Druce, who runs the Trafalgar Inn with his wife Karen, wanted more police on the Bridge at weekends.

‘I can’t understand why there can’t be two police officers on Friday and Saturday nights to curb the violence that is going on. It’s getting worse,’ he claimed.

He had recently to put people out of the pub because of drunkenness, then at 12.40am a window was smashed causing £450 of damage.

Micky Broome, who runs the London House with wife Pat, backed the call for more police on the Bridge.

‘There should be more done to keep the younger kids from trying to get into licensed premises. When you ask you get nothing but abuse,’ he said.

Licensee Tony Gover said it would have been ‘diabolical’ if the GLVA had folded.

‘I don’t think they should revoke licences willy-nilly – I would not like to see somebody have the authority to take somebody’s living away,’ he said.

La Fontaine Inn licensee Cindy de Jersey was unanimously re-elected as GLVA president and she was delighted with the turnout and to see many new faces.

‘We have survived and now we want to go forward. The licensed trade has asked me to speak to the new Home Department to get more of an input into the new licensing laws and they would like a GLVA member on the new board,’ she said.

‘It’s a shame to see the trend of youngsters abusing licensees and we need to make people more aware of the ID card. It looks like the new licensees want an input and they see a need for more IDs and to keep a tighter rein on them.’

She was pleased that police chief George Le Page walked the streets on Liberation Day and that he thanked licensees for being more vigilant and using plastic glasses.

‘Most members are quite happy to see the police.

‘But I’m disappointed there were not more representatives from the garages, shops, supermarkets and nightclubs at the meeting,’ added Mrs de Jersey.

Mark Pontin (Ship & Crown) and Peter Leigh (Hampshire Lodge) were elected as vice presidents and Alison De La Mare (Captains) as secretary with Claude Ford (Forest Road Garage) as treasurer.