Judge calls for ASBOs for licensees who serve drunks

A high court judge in Northern Ireland believes that licensees who serve drunks should be slapped with an anti-social behaviour order (ASBO).

Lord Justice Girvan was speaking at a High Court bail hearing for Jonathan Armstrong, 18, from Coily Hill, Killyleagh, Northern Ireland, who is accused of attempted murder.

A 17-year-old boy was left brain damaged by an alleged attack in the Sydenham area of Belfast earlier in May. Girvan said that Armstrong must help police identify where he had been drinking.

"The licensing laws are not being properly enforced and thought should be given to ASBOs on licence holders who breach the law," he said.

Federation of Licensed Victuallers Associations chief executive Tony Payne

commented: "How can you tell if someone is drunk? You don't know how much they have had to drink before they arrive at your pub."

Licensing solicitor Graeme Cushion added: "Powers already exist to revoke the licence and remove the designated premises supervisor, that would seem to hit more at the root of the problem."