Free metal detectors to help pub security

Pubs and clubs could get free metal detectors under a new government scheme.

The Government is donating 100 portable knife arches and 400 search wands to police forces, with more available over the next three years.

Forces would chose where to use them. A Home Office spokeswoman said: "The police will decide the areas where the need [for the detectors] is the greatest, whether that's a pub or club, or school or wherever."

Paul Smith, executive director of Noctis, which represents late-night operators, said: "If operators and police are happy with [having metal detectors], that's fine. We don't want to see these things being imposed without the consent of the operator."

The scheme was announ-ced on Monday as part of the Home Office's new Action Plan for Tackling Violence 2008-11.

Under the plan, pubs and clubs with a history of violence could also be called to take extra steps to reduce attacks as part of local "action plans".

The report says licensed premises can be the kind of violence "hot spot" that local crime and disorder reduction partnerships need to identify in their plans, which are to be in place by the end of 2008.

Another proposal could see thugs who are jailed after violent attacks in pubs banned from venues on release.

New Violent Offender Orders (VOOs) will see conditions attached to ex-prisoners that are "considered necessary to control [their] behaviour and protect the public from serious harm". A ban on entry to licensed premises could be a condition.

The Government plans to introduce VOOs by the end of the year, subject to Parliamentary approval.