Highest number ever banned from west Cumbria's pubs and clubs
Last updated at 13:56, Monday, 15 October 2012
Some 160 troublemakers are banned from pubs and clubs in west Cumbria – the highest number ever.
The figures were released by Cumbria police to highlight the Pubwatch scheme, which covers 11 towns across Copeland and Allerdale.
Out of the 11 towns – Whitehaven, Workington, Egremont, Cleator Moor, Cockermouth, Maryport, Aspatria, Silloth, Keswick, Wigton and Millom – Whitehaven has the highest number of people excluded.
Sergeant Richard Farnworth said it was the highest amount of people he had ever seen banned in west Cumbria.
But he believes that it may not be down so much to more people causing trouble but that more licensees are joining the scheme and not tolerating nuisance behaviour.
Sgt Farnworth said: “This number is higher than usual. The last time we had a figure it was 120. This could mean that the licensees are being more pro-active or more keen to be involved in the Pubwatch scheme.”
There are a number of reasons why people could be put on the Pubwatch scheme, which sees them banned from every pub in the town.
Fighting, violent and abusive behaviour, criminal damage and possession of drugs are the main reasons. Photos of the nuisance drinkers are handed out to each establishment in the area so that licensees and door staff know who they are.
Monthly meetings take place between licensees, police and Lisa Elder, who is the Pubwatch co-ordinator for west Cumbria.
At the meetings, troublemakers will be put forward to be placed on the scheme and members will discuss how long for.
The average period that they are banned for is 12 months, but Sgt Farnworth said they could potentially be banned for life.
Sgt Farnworth praised the scheme, saying it was a “vital tool” in preventing antisocial behaviour.
He added: “The pubs and clubs across Cumbria embrace the scheme and realise how important it has been in continuing to provide a safe and friendly environment for those who are going out to socialise with friends or family and those who work in the pubs in the area.
“The threat of being excluded from all licensed premises in your home town is still a strong deterrent to antisocial behaviour and violent crime.”
First published at 13:44, Monday, 15 October 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk
RE: Derek yeah I think we have to thank CAMRA a lot especially in the last few years as more and more people are changing back to drinking Real Ale which is better than having a pint of chemicals. Hey I might be old but I don't need a wheelchair just yet I can still strut my stuff from time to time after a good game of Dominoes and a few to many ales. D.Pumperump (80)
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Have your say
Joe I not been on the end of a Pubwatch Ban. I'm also a CAMRA member.
Derek the idea that any person who get a ban must have been in trouble is similar to the idea that the police only arrest people who have done somethig wrong. There are a large number arrested due to mistaken identity or false allegations which are later dropped when investigated. Can the same level of investigation take place for every Pubwatch exclusion?Posted by John on 17 October 2012 at 18:13