New scheme launched in Thornbury to tackle alcohol-related violence (From Gazette Series)

New scheme launched in Thornbury to tackle alcohol-related violence

8:30am Friday 5th February 2010 in

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DRINKERS who get carried away on a night out in Thornbury could find themselves being banned from their local under a new scheme being introduced in the town.

Three Strikes is the latest initiative being used to drive down alcohol-related violent crime as part of the town’s Pubwatch, which is an initiative where licensees work together to prevent anti-social behaviour.

From now on persistent offenders who are brought to the attention of the police or Thornbury Pubwatch because of anti-social behaviour, criminal damage or public order offences will be handled through Three Strikes.

Strike one will involve an offender being banned for three months from pubs and clubs belonging to the Pubwatch scheme in the area. They will also be asked to sign an Acceptable Behaviour Contract.

Strike two will mean a six-month ban from any of the licensed premises in the town.

Strike three will result in an arrest and an Anti-Social Behaviour Order being sought against the offender. They will also receive a minimum two-year pub ban.

Acting Sergeant and Thornbury Beat Manager Neil Whyman said: "Offenders are initially encouraged to mend their ways by signing an Acceptable Behaviour Contract.

"Throughout the process they will be encouraged to deal with their alcohol and violence problems and will be steered towards local groups and organisations that can help them.

"However, this is not a substitute for getting away with the initial offence as we will take positive action by issuing a fixed penalty notice, a caution or a charge. In serious violent disorder cases we will apply for a court exclusion order to ban them from pubs for up to two years."

Pubs involved in the Pubwatch scheme include The Wheatsheaf, The Knot of Rope, The Barrell, The Swan, The White Lion, The Royal George, The Plough, The Anchor, The Black Horse and The Chantry.

Phil Lawrence, South Gloucestershire Council’s licensing officer, said: "The majority of licensees are fully supportive of the Strikes scheme and working closely with their local police has assisted them with any issues that they have concerns on. It has also united all the licensees."