PUB AND CLUB goers in Worcester face being banned from a number of venues if they are caught causing trouble in just one of them.
Police and licensees have teamed up to launch a new scheme called WAND – Worcester Against Night-Time Disorder.
It means they can take direct action against anyone getting involved in alcohol related disorder either in pubs or clubs or outside on the streets.
This includes dealing with customers who have come to the attention of the premises and have not been reported to the police.
It ensures anyone banned from one participating business will automatically be banned from all those signing up to the scheme.
WAND has already been a big success in neighbouring Hereford where there has been a significant reduction in reported incidents of alcohol related crime.
Other features include giving people a reduction in the length of their ban by attending an alcohol awareness course.
Temporary Chief Inspector Sarah Corteen, of West Mercia Police, said: “We want Worcester to be a vibrant and prosperous place where those visiting the city for a night out can enjoy themselves and feel safe.
“The WAND initiative is a key part of our drive to achieve this and will undoubtedly have a significant impact on the way the night time economy is managed in Worcester.
“This would not have been possible without the support of Dean Hill, the WAND chair of the Night Safe Pub Watch Scheme.
“It has been achieved through the strong support from our Night safe Pub Watch group who recognise the value to pubs and clubs and the need for close partnership working.
“Night Safe shares a joint vision that a vibrant busy night time economy is a really positive thing for the city, its image and businesses.
“WAND is vital to ensure that we keep everyone safe and ensure that the odd trouble maker knows that if they cause trouble and are banned from one they are banned from all.
“The obvious benefits of the scheme include making the area a safer place to be in, which will encourage returning and new customers to locations where previously they had stopped attending or perhaps not even visited previously.
“Worcester is generally a very safe place to live, work and visit, however, a minority of people do misbehave when in drink and their behaviour can impact on the safety and comfort of others who have come out to socialise in the town.”
