Pubwatch

BANNED from one bar– barred from them all will be the fate of drunken troublemakers in Fife’s town centres following the introduction of an innovative crime fighting initiative by Fife Constabulary and the region’s licensed trade.

Pubs and clubs have signed up to the Pubwatch Scheme, which involves the premises operating a shared radio network.  The system allows different pubs and clubs within close proximity of each to communicate directly. 

The networks, which can be monitored by the police, use the state-of-the-art radios to pass on information about people refused entry or ejected for causing trouble. If their behaviour is deemed serious enough the Pub Watch Association can ban the persons responsible from all the pubs and clubs in the area for a specific time.

In this way the problem is excluded and not transferred to another business. The following towns now have a Pub Watch association and banning orders in place.

·                              Kirkcaldy Town Centre

·                              Dunfermline Town Centre

·                              St Andrews

It is recognised that by working in partnership, the Police and Licensed trade can effectively prevent, reduce and tackle crime.   By working together and establishing a pubwatch association, licensees can help to enhance what is already a safe night environment.

An acceptable standard of behaviour is a requirement from all customers socialising in licensed premises in Fife.   Those who do not meet the minimum standard are normally asked to leave.   Pubwatch association members have signed information sharing protocol and an exclusion policy.  These policies provided an option to deal with those whose behaviour requires stronger action.

To enable the group to improve communication with each other they often agree the use of the radio link system.   These systems are an early warning system, which will allow them to alert each other about incidents or give information on any persons ejected from their premise.

Objective

The objective of the Pubwatch Association shall be:

a.         to promote sensible drinking in all Licensed Premises.

b.         to protect Management and Staff from unsociable and abusive customers and operating with Licensed Stewards when necessary.

c.         to welcome and protect Customers and Members of the Public by implementing and maintaining good practice.

For further details of Pub Watch in Fife, Michelle Burnett can be contacted on 0845 600 5702 or by e-mail at michelle.burnett@fife.pnn.police.uk