Back to Basics: Keeping order

It seems like the government is determined to press ahead with introducing alcohol disorder zones (ADZs) despite the widespread objections to the plans. The campaign against them continues.

But thinking about how the pubs and bars in your area might avoid an ADZ designation is a good exercise that could help you work out how you (and the other operators around you) can prevent the kind of disorder that might attract attention - whether or not the regulations themselves are enforced.

The majority of licensees are taking their responsibilities seriously. However, there continue to be too many 'rogue' operators offering cheap drinks and taking the view that they can throw their problems out onto the street.

It is incumbent on all licensees in areas in which these rogue elements exist to engage in dialogue with them and ensure they take steps to stamp out the excessive drinking and yob culture that may be nurtured in this environment.

Ideally in conjunction with police, licensees in a potential troublespot should consider taking the following measures to make sure they do not become an ADZ.

• Employ properly trained barstaff - your people should be educated to ensure that all steps are taken to comply with current legislation

• Ensure ID is asked for in appropriate circumstances

• Ensure people are not given too much to drink. This will need staff to be trained in how to spot trouble signs, when to refuse admission and when to refuse to serve

• Install and maintain CCTV on the premises to discourage any disorder

• Provide shatterproof drinking vessels. Although this policy has been called into question by some licensees, it is still a useful means to prevent glass being used as a weapon

• Join accredited schemes such as the Best Bar None Awards. This should not only avoid the circumstances which can give rise to an ADZ, but should also entitle the licensee to a discount on the levy if an ADZ is imposed

• Ask customers to leave the premises quietly and monitor their dispersal

• Employ suitable doorstaff - fully qualified doorstaff should ensure groups are quickly dispersed and any trouble is averted by the most peaceful means

• Make access to public transport such as buses and taxi ranks as easy as possible to allow customers to move away from the area in the most organised and safe fashion

• Follow a visible health and safety policy within the pub. Include matters such as cleanliness, table service, speedy collection of empties and calm dispersal policies. A safe environment can also play a major part in setting the tone of the premises and the culture adopted by staff and customers

• Encourage police and local authorities to inspect your premises. Work in partnership with them and and openly demonstrate the measures you have in place to avoid trouble.

If licensees integrate these measures into their business, they will help ensure they comply with legislation and even go beyond it. Then you have a good hope you can avert ADZ designation and the cost which flows from this - not only the extra tax local authorities can impose but also the potential loss of revenue caused by operating within a stigmatised ADZ or even losing your licence.

Jonathan Hodgkinson is a solicitor at law firm Weightmans. For more advice email Jonathan.hodgkinson@weightmans.com or phone 0151 242 6900​