Pubs get to grips with antisocial customers
Drinkers who step out of line in parts of East Lothian could be asked to sign an “acceptable behaviour” agreement to avoid being barred from local pubs and clubs.
Members of RASP - a Pubwatch scheme covering the Tranent and Musselburgh areas - are being asked to adopt the new measure, which has already proved successful elsewhere in the country.
Since it was established 18 months ago, around 80 per cent of licensees in Tranent, Macmerry, Ormiston, Elphinstone, Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig have signed up to RASP (Responsible Alcohol in Social clubs and Pubs). As a newly-registered member of the national Pubwatch scheme, the local group is keen to share best practice and learn from the experience of others.
RASP chairman George Hood is particularly impressed by the move towards acceptable behaviour agreements as a mean of discouraging disorder, while at the same time reducing the number of people being barred from premises.
He will be recommending the policy at the group’s next meeting.
Mr Hood told the News: “Our businesses are customer based so the last thing we want to do is ban people. What we are trying to do is make sure that people have a safe and enjoyable experience while visiting our premises.
“If a customer’s behaviour falls below the standard expected they can be asked to sign an acceptable behaviour agreement, which, if breached, could then lead to a ban.
“This would replace the system of warning letters that we have at the moment.”
Mr Hood, proprietor of the The Hub in Tranent, stressed that the new system would not be implemented without the full agreement of RASP members. He also stressed that the group would continue to take a “zero tolerance” approach towards violence and drug dealing.
RASP is also working with the antisocial behaviour team at East Lothian Council to discuss the possible use of ASBOs against people who persistently flout barring orders imposed by pubs and clubs.
Tranent Councillor Kenny McLeod (pictured) was impressed by the resolve of local licensees to work together to tackle antisocial behaviour.
“I will help them as much as I can to make these places as safe as possible for members of the public to enjoy themselves,” he commented.
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Weather for Musselburgh
Thursday 23 May 2013
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