Pubs join police to call time on Bristol troublemakers

Trouble-makers in north Bristol have been warned that pubs and police are working together to stamp out crime and bad behaviour.

A Pubwatch scheme has been set up by Bradley Stoke beat manager PC Steve Palmer, which includes six pubs.

The Bradley Stoke, The Three Brooks and Baileys Court Inn in Bradley Stoke have joined The Travellers Rest in Patchway and Stoke Gifford's Parkway Tavern and Beaufort Arms as founder members.

They will all be working with the police to deal with issues including anti-social behaviour, using or dealing drugs, assaults and any criminal damage.

Monthly meetings have started and any drinker who is a problem in one of the pubs will be banned from all six.

Bans can last from three months to a year and in persistent cases can lead to an anti-social behaviour order being imposed by the courts.

PC Palmer said: "Five people have already been banned for 12 months from all six member pubs in 'The Stokes' Pubwatch scheme.

"The bans were unanimously agreed by the licensees of the member pubs, for offences of drug taking, threats to staff, and public order offences.

"This is a clear indication that licensees will no longer accept such behaviour, and the police will support the scheme and ensure it is a success. Other premises are now also looking to join the scheme.

"There will also be police operations in the future to further enforce the law, to ensure that local residents are able to enjoy a meal or a few drinks in a safe environment."

All the pubs have posters up naming those banned.

Mark and Kirsty Hodgkiss have been running the Baileys Court Inn, Baileys Court Road, since March and are glad.

Mr Hodgkiss said: "Pubwatch is about showing a united front between local licensees, the police and local authority. I think it will go well."

"It's about looking at the big picture, it's not just about sales. We want our customers, ourselves and our staff to have a safe environment."

Joanne Perks, manager of the Bradley Stoke, said: "I think it will act as a deterrent. The majority of our customers are very well behaved but you always get the odd one who isn't."

For advice or information on Pubwatch schemes in the Stokes and Filton area, ring PC Palmer on 945 4896.