Offenders could be banned from socialising in Whitehaven for two Christmases, warn Pubwatch members.
A crackdown on alcohol fuelled trouble in pubs could see revellers receive a lengthy ban.
Any offences fuelled by alcohol in Whitehaven like assault, abusive behaviour, disorder and drug crime will incur a minimum of a 13-month ban.
The stricter punishment will impact the social life of culprits, excluding them from the town’s public houses.
Bans had previously run from one month to one year, with two-year, five-year or lifetime bans being issued for the most serious offences. 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 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 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.”
He said: “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.”
Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner, David Allen, said: “Many of us will be heading out to celebrate over the festive period in the next few weeks with most of us having a drink or two.
“Christmas is a time of year to celebrate and look back over the last year – don’t end the year by getting banned from your local pubs.
“Pubs are businesses so they have every right to protect themselves and their patrons from unruly and aggressive behaviour – no one wants to impose a ban but if you do cause issues, it is only right that you are not allowed back into an establishment.
“We all need to take personal responsibility for how much alcohol we consume and how we behave– drink sensibly, have a positive night, and get home safely.”
Throughout December we continue to run extra patrols under Operation Enhance. These patrols are in areas identified as hotspots for anti-social behaviour and/or serious violence across the county, with Whitehaven being one of these areas.
The patrols follow funding secured by Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner from the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund to target anti-social behaviour (ASB) and serious violence in hotspot areas across the county.
Op Enhance | Cumbria Police
