A bid has been launched to sell alcohol at Salts Mill, the hub of an empire whose founder banned pubs from historic Saltaire.

Mill bosses also hope to launch a 'Salts Millennium' Champagne.

It is widely thought that the model mill village was a 'dry' community with its founder, Sir Titus Salt, a fanatical advocate of abstinence. But alcohol was sold and served in 19th century Saltaire and local historian Clive Woods says he believes Salt would have backed the new plans.

Applications for a restaurant licence for Salts Diner and an off-licence for the mill will be made at next week's Keighley licensing sessions.

Robin Silver, managing director of Salts Mill, said: "The restaurant licence is something our customers have been requesting for a long time and would also give us flexibility to serve drinks at the various events and functions we stage, rather than having to apply for special licences.''

The off-licence would allow the sale of a commemorative Millennium Champagne but it was possible other alcohol could also be sold.

Mr Silver added: "Salt not only liked but sponsored change and development - the village and mill have changed so dramatically that anything that goes on it should equally be open to change.

"I think Salt like many Victorians would have been quite excited by the prospect of a new Millennium and all the things it brings with it."

Mr Woods, chairman of Saltaire Village Society, said he saw no problem for the village with the proposal and no confict with history, as Salt had served wine in the mill and had enjoyed a glass himself.

"They'd have to sell wine for years before getting anywhere near the amount of booze swilled down on September 20, 1853 when 3,750 people sat down for a dinner to mark the mill's opening, so in that respect Salt's well ahead of them," he said.

"The main reason he objected to pubs was because in the 19th century they were the centre of political debate and if there was going to be debate he wanted to control it by having it under his own roof at Victoria Hall."

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