The body responsible for keeping troublemakers out of Ely pubs and bars says it has adopted a new zero-tolerance approach to bad behaviour.
Ely Pubwatch has recently relaunched itself and is now making sure all landlords and pub staff are sharing information with each other and with police to keep nuisance drinkers and louts away from the city.
As part of its new, tougher stance, the scheme has adopted a zero-tolerance approach to people who flout the rules – banning them from not just one premises, but all premises that are members of the pubwatch scheme.
Rick Pridmore, chairman of Ely Pubwatch, said: “We have improved and bolstered up a new infra-structure supported by the police, CCTV, local authorities and pubwatch members which have formed a special independent group.
“We have tightened up the safety and security of Ely’s night life by taking a zero tolerance response to trouble-causers and collectively discussing issues, taking action and making decisions as a group to properly regulate the safety of all premises on the scheme.
“In the three months of being operational, the scheme has banned approximately 15 offenders who have breached the scheme’s terms and conditions. Ban from one venue constitutes a ban from all who are on the scheme.”
Mr Pridmore said the range of offences which could result in a ban included being drunk and disorderly, threatening behaviour, violence to customers, bar and door staff, criminal damage, or dealing and administering drugs.
He added: “The message is now getting out there that we are taking a no-nonsense approach.
“The banning figures will continue to rise if the offenders continue to create havoc and spoil everyone’s night out. As it stands we are making a difference and progress is evident in terms of results and restoring a good level of safety and security at various venues.”
WHAT DO YOU THINK? Is there a problem in Ely’s pubs and bars? Should police being doing more? Send your thoughts to Ely Standard, Alexander House, Fore Hill, Ely, CB7 4AF or e-mail editor@elystandard.co.uk
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