Drinkers who cause trouble in East Lancashire’s pubs or clubs could find themselves banned for up to two years as part of a crackdown on alcohol fuelled crime. Police are meeting up with licensees across Burnley, Pendle and Rossendale to raise awareness of the measures available to tackle crime and disorder.
This comes as part of the Division’s Pubwatch schemes which have been running across the three borough’s for ten years. Some 15 people are banned for up to five years for offences ranging from criminal damage, public order and assault.
Last month four men were banned from a Burnley pub for two years each for violent threats towards door staff. Gediminas Abramovas, 22, of Hendon Road, Nelson; Tomas Skorkovas, 22, of Charles Street, Nelson; Deivydas Klimas, 24, of Hemingway Place, Nelson and Aurimas Stanevicius, 22, of Rigby Street, Nelson were all given two year exclusion orders not to enter Barcode on Hammerton Street, Burnley.
They appeared before Burnley Crown Court on 13 February after pleading guilty to affray. All four were sentenced to six months imprisonment, suspended for 24 months. They must also carry out 180 hours unpaid work and pay £100 costs.
Licensing Officer for Pennine Division Sgt Michelle Dixon, said: “Drink Banning Orders are an additional tool to help us tackle alcohol fuelled crime and disorder. They support the successful Pubwatch schemes which are in place across the Division and stop those people who are well known to the police and licensees from causing harm to members of the public whilst making them face up to their actions.
“I hope this acts as a warning to trouble makers that alcohol fuelled violence will not be tolerated and those involved could face a lengthy ban and a fine of up to £2,500.”
