Keeping order during last orders

Q: I run a pub and have to deal with rowdy people when they leave at chucking-out time. Can you offer any advice?

Unfortunately, there is no legal definition of "reasonable force". It is the force needed to effect your purpose and it must stop once you have succeeded. The use of violence must be the last desperate act to prevent injury to yourself and others.

Rushing from the kitchen brandishing meat cleavers to break up a disturbance is not acceptable. But fending off people with chairs to prevent injury may well be.

Having restrained a disorderly person, only keep hold of them while they continue to be a nuisance. Once quiet, let them go.

Don't allow more people than necessary to evict someone: that is how unnecessary injuries are sustained.