Clampdown on troublemakers in Bournemouth

A scheme to keep troublemakers away from bars and clubs in Bournemouth has been launched by licensees and police.

Dorset Police and Bournemouth's Town Watch licensees' forum will employ the "banned from one - banned from all" initiative in a bid to clamp down on problem customers.

It means that anyone who causes disorder or commits a crime inside licensed premises will be banned from all Town Watch venues for a period from three months to a year - with a further extension possible at the end of the ban.

To get the message across, signs will be displayed at the front of venues and staff in bars and clubs will be wearing "banned from one - banned from all" t-shirts.

Sergeant Chris Weeks, of the Alcohol Licensing Enforcement team, said: "The scheme will be a significant deterrent for the small minority of people who spoil everyone else's enjoyment of Bournemouth at night.

"The support of the Town Watch forum means people who don't commit specific crimes - but do cause nuisance inside venues - will also face exclusion."

A panel of licensees and police officers will meet once a month to discuss individuals they think should be banned from bars and clubs.

Steve Hudson, chairman of the Town Watch forum and manager of Elements nightclub, said: "This scheme is exactly what licensees have been waiting for to help make nights out safer and even more enjoyable for our customers.

"We've spent many months working with the police to make sure it's is successful and I'm excited about the launch.

"I'd warn anyone to think twice before causing trouble in our bars and clubs because Town Watch members are dedicated to the initiative.

"We won't hesitate to start banning people we don't want in our venues."