Published: Wednesday, 30th June, 2010 1:00pm

Pub numbers could be capped

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THE number of pubs and off-licences could be capped in areas of Clydebank over worries about the dire health and crime levels associated with drink.

A report has been prepared for the area's Licensing Board detailing the alarming death rates linked to alcohol, which is more than three times the national average in some parts of the town.

Whitecrook and Dalmuir are the worst affected areas — both with twice the average number of alcohol related hospital admissions and three times the number of alcohol related deaths.

Dalmuir also has an above average number of off-licences and bars.

Whitecrook does not, but the report states that many people there are thought to be buying alcohol from central supermarkets.

However, it also shows that the crime rate is well above the Scottish average in many areas of Clydebank and the issue needs addressing.

The statistics have been put together so elected members can decide whether some areas of the town may have an "over provision" of off-licences and bars.

If they decide this is the case, any applications for new alcohol licences in those areas would be turned down.

Clydebank Chief Inspector Ian Wallace says he believes current licensed premises are not trading to capacity and therefore the town does not require any more.

He said: "We fully support the multi-agency work under way to look at the effects of the over provision of alcohol.

"Whilst we recognise the right to trade, our operational experience indicates a consistent pattern of trade far below capacity. Our experience further indicates that the irresponsible consumption of alcohol can lead to acts of disorder and anti-social behaviour — any work to address this issue is a positive step for communities."

Councillors on West Dunbartonshire's Licensing Board will vote today (Wednesday) on whether to take the subject of over provision to the consultation phase.