Pub doorstaff urged not to use handcuffs

Manchester licensees are being urged not to allow their doorstaff to use handcuffs to restrain violent customers.

Concerns over the practice were raised at a monthly meeting of the Manchester Pub and Club Network

Network spokesman Phil Burke said there had been reports of a neighbouring police force allowing doorstaff to use the handcuffs to restrain aggressive customers until the police arrived.

However, he called the trial scheme barbaric and said it could open hosts up to legal action.

"To think that door staff will be allowed to use handcuffs, even for a trial period is potentially very​

dangerous and could lead to a serious injury in unprofessional hands," said Burke.

"The only people which should use handcuffs are the Police. They have had the correct training and are fully insured should some thing go wrong.

"A charge of false imprisonment and or aggravated assault could be brought against doorstaff and even the licensee if handcuffs are used."

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Your Comments​ Robert Feal-Martinez via email 06/04/2006 "I can assure Mr Burke that unless things have changed from my time as a Policeman, officers do not receive training in the use of handcuffs. I also note that this is the same organisation that has agreed to allow abuses of the Licensing Act by the police and LA's. Surely any legitimate means of preventing violent behaviour should be welcomed. The one certainty is that a person in handcuffs cannot continue to punch anyone, surely that is justification enough. Lets help door supervisors not tie their hands. More PC Officialdom."