RAY Mallon will visit Hartlepool tomorrow to speak about the new Licensing Act.

Mr Mallon, Mayor of Middlesbrough, has been invited to speak at Hartlepool Borough Council's licensing committee about the controversial Act, which introduces the opportunity for pubs and clubs to sell alcohol 24 hours a day. It comes into force early next year.

The invitation has come from licensing committee chairman, Councillor Stan Kaiser.

Coun Kaiser said: "Mr Mallon has a vast amount of experience about alcohol related issues following his time in Hartlepool and I think it will be very interesting to listen what he has to say about this new Act.

"He now of course has responsibility for applying the new Act in Middlesbrough and I am aware that he has adopted an adventurous and forward-looking approach."

The public can attend the meeting, in Hartlepool Civic Centre, at 2.30pm