A crackdown on alcohol-fuelled trouble in pubs could see revellers receive a lengthy ban, and see them banned over two Christmas periods.
Any offences fuelled by alcohol in Whitehaven like assault, disorder and drug crime will incur a 13-month ban.
The stricter punishment will impact the social life of culprits; excluding them from the town’s public houses and off-license premises.
Bans have previously run from one month to one year, with a two year or lifetime ban for the most serious offences.
As drinking habits have changed following the COVID-19 lockdowns and subsequent restrictions it is getting more and more difficult to manage licensed premises. Many people drink before they come out making it tricky for licensees to gauge their level of inebriation and have a harder party attitude.
This campaign reminds them to be vigilant and take extra care, avoiding behaving inappropriately. It also serves to advise customers that it’s in their best interests to stop if the licensee decides they’ve had enough.
Chairman of Whitehaven Pubwatch Jason Fisher said: “A move such as this deal appropriately with individuals who commit trouble in pubs.
“What we’re doing is aiming to make sure people can come out to enjoy a safe and enjoyable night and that we as licensees will not tolerate such behaviour in our establishments. These bans will have a real consequence for those who choose to behave inappropriately.
“It means those causing trouble face a ban that impacts on their social life both this Christmas and next. The Whitehaven Pubwatch scheme is dedicated and keen to ensure people see the town as a safe and inviting place.”
Sergeant David Macdonald of the Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team, responsible for licensing said: “From a policing point of view, licensing standards in Copeland are high and this campaign highlights the stance the trade is taking.
“Its aim is to remind individuals there are legal requirements the licensing trade have to comply with but ultimately people have to take responsibility for their own consumption of alcohol and behaviour.
“Christmas is meant to be a time of celebration with friends and family but unfortunately there are always a small number of people who just take it too far. This often leads to trouble which creates stress and even injury for pub-goers, pub owners, pub staff and even the police.
“So, I am pleased to see Pubwatch partners imposing robust but appropriate bans, meaning that anyone causing trouble will be put on a ban for the next 13 months.
‘If you do cause trouble, you will face robust consequences. Know your limits, have a good time, get home safe and don’t ruin your Christmas by having to sit it out.”
Pubwatch is the licensed trade’s equivalent of Neighbourhood Watch and is aimed at promoting responsible drinking in a safe environment. Over 20 local premises have voluntarily signed up to Pubwatch and members hold regular meetings to discuss matters arising within their own areas.
