THE North-west's first nightclub for under-18s is to be launched in Bolton. It was announced today that the disco - strictly alcohol-free - would be held until 2am every Friday and Saturday at town centre pub The Place in Ash Street, off Manchester Road. And Bolton businessman John Blackburn, who is launching the pioneering club, told the BEN he was sure the scheme would be a success financially and a plus for the community.

He said: "This is a first for the region, but I know there is a market for this. We are going to give our new clientele a fun night out and treat them like adults. If they roll with it they are going to have a really good night."

The nightclub, targeted at teenagers aged 14 and over, will serve soft drinks and exotic non-alcoholic cocktails.

Entertainment will include party games, karaoke, and a disco playing a variety of modern tunes.

Other nightclubs have experimented with alcohol-free early evening sessions for youngsters.

But this is believed to be the first commitment to provide a permanent nightclub base for teenagers running into the early hours every weekend.

Mr Blackburn added: "It's been an issue for a long time that teenagers too old for the youth club, but too young for the pub have nowhere to go. Now we are offering an alternative to the street corner."

The businessman, who has previously called for the liberalisation of Bolton's night life including 24-hour pubs and continental-style cafe-bars, decided to launch the teen disco after magistrates refused him a late liquor licence.

The Place had wanted to extend its drinking hours from the traditional 11pm finish to 2am to host adult discos.

But the pub's existing licences - including permission to serve food and provide entertainment until 2am - allows landlord Mr Blackburn to admit teenagers over 14 into the club providing no booze is served.

"We were bitterly disappointed by the magistrates' decision," said Mr Blackburn. "The teen disco is definitely plan B, but we're sure it will be a success."

Entry to the nightclub, which is launched on Friday, June 12, will cost £5 including £5 worth of free soft drinks.

Existing Place staff will oversee security, but there will be no special arrangements or dress code.

"All we ask is for the kids to have a good attitude," said Mr Blackburn.

The pub, which opened three months ago, will serve alcohol as normal for regulars from Sunday to Thursday.

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