IT is not a pleasant thought that the bars and restaurants of our city hotels may ever be used to lure children and young people into a life of crime.

And yet, although sad, it is pointless pretending that these things do not happen - even if it is only in isolated incidents.

Pubs and hotel bars can be a key strategic places for those who want to control and exploit younger people.

And so it's good news to see that staff at licensed premises in Worcester have risen to the challenge and undertaken training in how to spot child sexual exploitation or involvement with county lines drug operations.

West Mercia Police have offered the specialist training, working with Worcester City Council's licensing team.

And, as, PC Joe Brooks, says: “If this training encourages one venue to call the police and it subsequently protects a vulnerable child or young person, then it is time well spent.”

Let's make sure the hotels, pubs and bars in our city are a welcome refuge for tourists - not havens for unscrupulous adults who would seek to harm our young people.