Early morning restriction order being "actively considered" for Watford pubs and other licensed premises

Whilst the decision to introduce an EMRO will fall with Watford Borough Council, the police are working closely with local authorities and licensees to work out how best to tackle the issues of late-night disorder.

The legislation introducing EMROs as an option for local councils is set to come in at the end of October. They will allow local authorities to restrict the sale of alcohol in certain areas for any period of time between midnight and 6am.

Watford’s chief inspector and borough commander Nick Caveney told the PMA that an EMRO from 1am could be the solution to cutting the levels of violent crime between the hours of 2am and 4am in Watford.

However, he insisted that there will have to be a full consultation with the relevant authorities and licensed premises operators in Watford before anything is decided.

“We see some synergy between the rise in violent crime and the extension of drinking hours,” said Caveney. “We are in the early stages of consideration and are weighing up the pros and cons with our local council, statutory bodies and licensees in the area.

He added: “What we are aiming for is a safer and more family-friendly town centre.”