Teenagers' alcohol-free pub

Michelle Pareima says the idea for the pub could spread

A pub with a difference opens on Friday where teenagers will be welcome to prop up the bar.

But the only pints on offer will be pop or squash and customers looking at the top shelf optics will be limited to chocolate, strawberry or banana milk-shakes.

Mother-of-five Michelle Pareima has refurbished the former Marquis of Granby pub on Carmarthen's King Street, turning it into a non-alcohol bar as a place for young people in the town to socialise.

Having teenage sons of her own, she said many view youth clubs as bit dull and square and often spend their holidays and evenings hanging around on street corners and parks.

Hopefully they will be more likely to come here rather than just hang around the streets Michelle Pareima

"Want they want is somewhere to relax and chill out and meet up with their friends," she said.

"We've got pool tables, a juke box and computer games and we'll have djs and bands in the evenings.

"Hopefully they will be more likely to come here rather than just hang around the streets."

Mrs Pareima has re-named the pub Vibe and hopes it will attract families as well as teenagers.

All staff employed there will have their records checked by police to make sure they are suitable.

"I've got five kids, someone of them teenagers, and I know what it is like," added the registered nurse.

"We've got a big pool table at home and we have lots of their friends coming over to the house, especially during the winter.

"I don't mind as long as they behave themselves because there is no where else for them to go.

"If this kicks-off I'm going to open in Haverfordwest because it's my home town and I've already been asked if I'll open one there next year."