NEWS RELEASES
New signs point to Pubwatch in Horsham
6th August 2007
LAMP POST signs are being put up in Horsham town centre this summer displaying important Pubwatch information.
The simple but effective message framed inside a distinctive yellow bottle shape sign sends out a strong message to customers of licensed premises that unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated.
Pubwatch is a nationally recognised scheme supported by Sussex Police and other members of the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
Pubwatch exists as a means for pubs and clubs to share information about badly behaved or dangerous customers.
Anyone who causes trouble or deals or uses drugs in a pub or club can expect to be barred from all member establishments and dependent upon the severity of the incident, the average duration of a ban is 5 years with some people being banned for life.
Pubwatch Chairman Stephen Threlfall, who is General Manager at B52s in Horsham’s Piries Place, said:
“I am pleased to say that Horsham’s Pubwatch scheme is very active with 38 member pubs on board.
”Our regular meetings mean that any incident, however small, is discussed and where appropriate bans are issued.”
Working closely with a variety of partners means that pubs can quickly share information about problematic customers.
Once someone is banned, photographs of the individuals are circulated to the staff of all member premises and if people who are barred try to gain entry, the Police are called who treat such situations very seriously.
Greg Charman, Community Safety Officer for the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership and Pubwatch Secretary, said:
“Pubwatch makes law abiding customers feel safer to know that there is a scheme in operation which prevents dangerous or illegal behaviour going unnoticed.
”Very often when we ban individuals from all premises they are shocked by how much of an impact such a ban can have on their social life.
”This new signage aims to raise the profile of Pubwatch so that customers have an understanding of the Pubwatch concept and the consequences involved.”
For more information contact the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership on 01403 215124 or email community.safety@horsham.gov.uk
Further information is also available online
Ends
Note to editors:
This news release has been issued by Horsham District Council on behalf of the Horsham District Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership.
The Horsham District Crime Disorder Reduction Partnership is a statutory partnership of Horsham District Council, West Sussex County Council, Sussex Police, Sussex Police Authority, West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service and West Sussex Primary Care Trust.
The Partnership is charged with reducing levels of crime and disorder in the Horsham District through sustainable solutions; by working with other key public, private and voluntary agencies and the community.
CONTACT: Richard Morris, Communications Manager
Email: richard.morris@horsham.gov.uk