MOVES to close Town pubs for four hours on Liberation Day afternoon have been blocked. Licensees, with the support of the Home Department, have thwarted the bid by Culture and Leisure’s events group.

It was seeking the closure from 2 to 6pm to prevent a repeat of last year’s trouble, Guernsey Licensed Victuallers’ Association chairman Peter Leigh told its annual dinner last night.

‘Some 25 arrests out of 15,000 people in Town is hardly a riot. Most problems and arrests were in the fair area and after 5pm when most families were heading home. I am pleased to say they listened to us and revised their plan.’

Group chairman Mike O’Hara said yesterday evening that it had looked at the possibility of closure, but had deemed it to be impractical after taking advice.

‘Drinking hours on Liberation Day will be normal. I and a few other members believed to reduce the number of hours would be a good idea, but after taking advice from the Home Department and GLVA, it was decided not to,’ he said.

‘We feel that the GLVA is quite responsible and has done a good job.’

An announcement will be made shortly about the plans and entertainment for this year’s celebration.

Mr Leigh told members that it had been a difficult year for the trade after the smoking ban was introduced in July and added to new licensing laws and further expenses.

The loss of trade was compounded by rises in costs.

‘Our licence fees went up at least threefold and new plans had to be forwarded with yet more expense,’ he said.

Tax on alcohol was increased in November and there was a further manufacturers’ increase due next week.

‘Our customers only have so much in their pocket to spend on alcohol and we have to look at ways of attracting them in, not forcing them away with even higher prices.’

Supermarkets and off licences could offer two-for-one promotions, but the Drug and Alcohol Strategy did not support this in bars.

‘Is this not encouraging more drinking at home?’ he said.

Food was one way of encouraging more customers, but with so many restaurants with well-priced menus it was hard to compete.

Although the trade had some new faces, many of the old ones had left for other jobs.

‘We all seem to be working so hard for so very little nowadays,’ he said.

He said he was aware of others who were in two minds about whether to stay or go before the end of this year.