Zero tolerance in Ashington pubs

Posted by The Journal on Feb 17, 09 09:03 AM in News

Northumberland pubs have been issued with two-way radios to crack down on alcohol-fuelled troublemakers in the area.

Publicans in Cramlington have been equipped with the communication equipment to help them keep in touch with each other - as well as the police.

And officers have also teamed up with licensees in Ashington and Newbiggin-by-the-Sea in a new 'zero tolerance' approach to criminal behaviour and drug taking on licensed premises.

The Cramlington initiative is being paid for from a special £30,000 Government fund made available for three months in Blyth Valley to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder and reduce under-age drinking.

Northumbria Police has secured cash from the local crime and disorder reduction partnership to pay for 12 two-way radios which have been distributed to licensed premises in the Cramlington area.

They will provide a direct communication system between licensees and the police and form part of the town's successful Pubwatch scheme.

Neighbourhood Sergeant Mick Aspey said: "The radios mean pubs can alert each other if, for instance, there is a large or unruly group heading their way.

"They can also let each other know about individuals who may have had too much to drink and shouldn't be served. We will have a radio in the police station so we can listen in and respond quickly to any incidents."

Michelle Kennedy, of the Blagdon Arms pub in Cramlington, said the radios would provide further security for herself, staff, customers and other local licensees.

The crackdown in Ashington and Newbiggin, part of the local Pubwatch scheme, will see anyone caught in possession of, or supplying, a controlled drug automatically barred from all licensed premises in the towns. Police say it is part of a zero tolerance policy towards violence and drugs, and officers are making regular visits to pubs and clubs to provide reassurance to customers and bar staff.

Ashington Neighbourhood Inspector, Richard Yeats, said: "This scheme will be an important element of our drive to reduce anti-social behaviour and support the night time economy."

All pubs and clubs in Ashington and Newbiggin have signed up to the Pub Watch scheme.

Chairman Rob Miller said: "We want to send out a clear message that this sort of behaviour will not be tolerated.

"Violence in or around any pub or club is not acceptable. Anyone who is aggressive towards staff will be barred. Anyone who is caught with drugs will be barred.

"At our February meeting licensees nominated eight people who have been barred from all the pubs and clubs for a total of 11-and-a-half years."

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