Police given powers to ban troublesome drinkers from pubs and bars
Police and local authorities will have the power to ban troublesome punters from entering pubs under new measures designed to protect the public from drink-related offences.
Councils can apply for Drinking Banning Orders (DBO) or "booze ASBOS" to be placed on anyone over 16 years of age who regularly cause drink-related problems at pubs and bars.
Anyone breaching their two month to two year-long ban from drinking in or visiting certain places can be fined up to £2,500.
Home Office minister Alan Campbell said the orders would force disorderly people to face up to their disruptive behaviour.
"These orders will stop those people who are well known to the authorities, licensees and often the communities where they live, from ruining lives. If irresponsible drinkers do not accept support, these orders will ensure that they face some very real consequences," he said.
But Isabella Sankey, policy director for civil liberties group Liberty branded the orders a "gimmick" that failed to tackle the real causes of offending.
"This new gimmick gives gimmicks a bad name. How many times can you spin a new ‘crackdown' without tackling the causes of offending behaviour? Surely its time to call last orders on endless new legislation," she said.
Metropolitan police commander Simon O'Brien, who speaks for the Association Chief Police Officers on alcohol licensing, told the Independent that the orders would help the police.
"The minority of mostly young people whom these powers are aimed at are usually well known in particular areas or local hotspots and, where appropriate, these powers add to the toolbox of tactics to be drawn on in tackling these drunken and persistent offenders," he said.
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Law firm warns that licensing changes may make things worse >> By Emma White
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