PUB parties and private functions during the Olympics could be blocked if they threaten to overstretch the emergency services and council.

The move to maintain security and safety this summer, which was supported by residents but opposed by pub chain JD Weatherspoon, was adopted by Harrow Council on Thursday by amendming its licensing policy.

The change means the authority will ‘presume refusal’ of temporary event notices for parties or events during the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games this summer if either the police, paramedics or firefighters object on grounds of limited resources.

This is because Harrow police officers, fire crews and London Ambulance Service personnel, are likely to be drafted into other parts of the capital to help police the Olympics, adding to the anticipated ‘intense pressure’, according to a report to councillors.

Although Harrow is not hosting any sporting events, the Olympic torch relay will begin a day-long tour of four London boroughs from Harrow Museum and Heritage Centre on July 25.

There were three respondents to the council’s consultation on the proposed policy, with just one objection from Nigel Connor, a solicitor for JD Wetherspoon, who said: “The presumption against grant of any application relating to licensable activities during the Olympic period goes against the prevailing wider legacy themes of the Olympics of inclusiveness and encouraging tourism and commerce.

“It remains open to the licensing authority, and indeed it is proper for it to do so, to refuse applications where a risk the licensing objectives will be undermined and I do not see in the circumstances why any additional policy statement which might discourage a perfectly risk free application needs to be issued.”

Two respondents supported the move - South Harrow and Roxeth Residents Association, and

Michael Allighan, on behalf of Lupton Bowling Club, Donnefield Avenue, Edgware, who said: “It would not appear to affect our small bowls club but in any case, as a general rule, it would appear sensible to make provision in this way.”

The council policy will be in force between July 15 and September 16 as a minimum.