Published at 14:41, Sunday, 23 December 2012

FESTIVE party-goers have been warned they face being barred from pubs all over Ulverston if they do not drink responsibly this Christmas.

As the area’s pubs brace themselves for one of the busiest times of the year, landlords are sending out the message that abusive drunken behaviour will not be tolerated.

They have warned anyone caught acting in a threatening manner or using illegal substances will face being banned from all pubs that are part of the Ulverston Bar Watch scheme.

Dave Mackenzie, chairman of the Ulverston Licensed Victuallers Association, said he hopes customers will be able to enjoy the festive period without having to put up with unacceptable drunken behaviour.

And he threatened to name and shame anyone who puts the safety of staff or customers at risk.

He said: “We will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour.

“Any person who threatens the safety of members of the public or staff may be banned from all public houses in membership of the (Bar Watch) scheme, before and after the festive season.”

The Bar Watch scheme was set up in Ulverston in 2001 and has proved successful in reducing the number of violent incidents in the town’s pubs.

Mr Mackenzie said in recent years the Christmas period had passed with relatively few incidents and hoped to continue the trend this year. But he warned any offenders would be dealt with seriously and the LVA would fully support any action taken by the police.

Mike O’Hagan, temporary chief inspector of Cumbria police, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the festive season, including the town’s night time economy.

“However, we would take this opportunity to remind people to drink responsibly as irresponsible or binge drinking tends to increase people’s chances of becoming a victim or indeed offender.

“The vast majority of people enjoy the Christmas and new year festivities without incident. It’s our job to ensure the town remains a safe place, for all.’’

Published by http://www.nwemail.co.uk