A minimum 13-month pub ban could be handed out to revellers who get out of hand this Christmas in Whitehaven.
Members of the town’s Pubwatch scheme have agreed to a strict crackdown on alcohol-fuelled trouble in their venues.
Any offences involving alcohol, like assault, abusive behaviour, disorder and drug crime will incur a minimum of a 13-month ban.
Bans previously ran from a month to a year, with two-year, five-year or lifetime bans being issued for the most serious offences.
However, Cumbria police said: “As drinking habits and behaviours have changed it is getting more and more difficult to manage licensed premises.
“Many people drink before they come out and have a harder party attitude.
“This campaign reminds them to be vigilant and take extra care and 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, so we can all can have a happy Christmas.”
Sergeant David Macdonald of 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 are taking.
“Its aim is to remind individuals there are legal requirements the licensing trade must 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. I am pleased to see Pubwatch partners imposing robust but appropriate bans, meaning that anyone causing trouble will be put on a ban for at least 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.
All those premises holding a premises licence as with most other businesses have the right to not supply or serve or grant access to anyone they choose provided they do not do so as an act of discrimination on the grounds set out in the relevant legislation.
Effectively a person has no right to enter and consume drink in a pub or club unless the licence holder agrees.
Chairman of Whitehaven Pubwatch Jason Fisher said: “A move such as this deals appropriately with individuals who commit trouble in pubs.
“Licensees and owners are working tirelessly to ensure that their pubs are safe, and the general public are able to enjoy their evenings out during the Christmas season.
“Thankfully these are isolated incidents and it is safe to go out and have fun, but the message is clear – there will be a zero tolerance with regards drugs misuse, disorderly and threatening behaviour.
“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.”
