Pubs warned over smokers drinking in street
Police in Devon and Cornwall have threatened to shut down pubs that fail to control customers smoking outside.
Officers say there are problems with customers taking drinks outside in local no-alcohol zones. They also complain that people are blocking the streets, particularly at the weekend.
Licensees were warned of the police concerns at a recent pubwatch meeting and some pubs were sent individual letters.
It’s a very serious problem and we’re prepared to take serious action against landlords that fail to control smokers
Inspector Dave Scott.
Inspector Dave Scott said: “It’s a very serious problem and we’re prepared to take serious action against landlords that fail to control smokers.
“We had an awful weekend, people were standing in the middle of the road and blocking traffic - there was immense potential for crime and disorder. It was a threatening atmosphere, pedestrians and motorists passing through the main area of the town were badly affected.
“Pubs with no proper smoking area are the biggest problem - they must put measures in place to stop people bringing their drinks outside.”
Nancy Thomas, of Nancy’s Pub in Falmouth town centre, said: “I’m sympathetic to the police, they’ve got a lot to deal with but it’s very difficult to control people outside when you’re behind the bar. There’s a lot trouble outside my pub and the people causing it are not necessarily my customers.”
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