An association is encouraging more nightclub owners to come forward and make their views known about the late-night economy.

Following a meeting organised by the City Centre Business Forum in January, Simon Woplin, from the Funky Buddah Lounge in King's Road Arches, Brighton, took the lead.

He produced and distributed a newsletter to bars, clubs and entertainment venues in the city, asking if they wanted to set up an organisation.

The Licensees Association was formed and has spent the past few months building links with Brighton and Hove City Council and Sussex Police to ensure the views of the licensees were not marginalised.

Mr Woplin said: "We have 26 licensees signed up but there are about 72 with Public Entertainment Licences. The association provides a platform to make their views known."

He said night-time business took the blame for a lot of problems in the city but this was not always fair as it made a big contribution to the economy.

He said: "Brighton has always been a place where people go to enjoy themselves and the night life is a big part of this.

"About one in ten people I talk to ask me when Fatboy Slim is next playing on the beach and I would guess Brighton businesses are still benefiting from last year's event."

The association has launched a number of initiatives.

Jean Smith, the city's violent crime reduction officer, attends meetings and feeds back views to police.

Council staff have also attended. Mr Woplin said: "We're trying to stamp out people using fake IDs by making our members better informed.

"We've also just signed up to a radio net scheme which will enable clubs to communicate with the police and other clubs to stop offences happening.

"We want to discourage binge drinking and encourage people to enjoy the whole night.

We want to make things better for club owners and those who go clubbing."

The next meeting is on August 11. Mr Woplin can be contacted on 07789 148423.

Wednesday July 16, 2003