Middleton Pubs Call Time On Alcohol Crime

Alcohol leads to crime

A Pub Watch scheme is being been launched in Middleton, where 35 pubs in the area are joining forces to take a stand against alcohol and drug-related crimes. Working with local police and licensing officers, the pubs are committed to cracking down on trouble-causers to ensure that local people can feel safe and secure on a night out.

Special radio equipment, funded by the Middleton Communit  Disorder Partnership, have been distributed so that staff in each pub can communicate quickly and easily with all other venues, to share information and warn others of potential trouble. For example, if a group of people have  been asked to leave one pub for fighting, every other pub in the area will be informed  immediately, and the group will not be allowed to enter any other premises.  The radio will also provide a direct link to equipment in a police van to allow a quick police response where appropriate.

If somebody is arrested or is identified as causing trouble in a pub, they will be referred to the Acceptable Behaviour Scheme where a committee of licensees, police officers and licensing officers meet and decide on a plan of  action. This could range from sending a letter warning the offender to behave in future, to imposing a two-year ban from every single pub in the scheme. In this instance, members will be given the name and a photograph of the  person  concerned so that they can make sure the offender does not enter their premises.

Sergeant Simeon Holt of Middleton Police Station said: "Too much drink on nights out is a major cause of violent crime and anti-social behaviour The Pub Watch scheme in Middleton will be a really effective tool in fighting this  type  of  crime. Each  member is committed to taking action against trouble-causers and by taking a joint stand, offenders can no longer simply take their business elsewhere.  By sharing information and working together with  licensees,  we  will  be  able to bring more offenders to justice and improve the quality of life for the majority of decent people who just want
to enjoy a good night out."

Posters will be going up in each of the pubs to raise awareness of the scheme and to alert customers to the fact they are drinking in a Pub Watch area.