Eight troublemakers have been banned from licensed premises in Stirling following the launch of a new Pubwatch scheme in the city.
They were banned due to drink-related anti-social behaviour and crime such as drug possession, assault, theft and criminal damage.
The Pubwatch scheme has seen Stirling’s nightlife venues join forces in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour and promote safe drinking environments for customers, as well as secure working environments for staff.
The organisation’s motto – “Banned from one – Banned from all” – means that the minority of people who cause trouble in any one of the city’s licensed premises face being barred from other nightlife venues for a period of one year.
If a banned individual enters a Pubwatch members’ premises and refuses to leave, the police are called immediately.
Local Pubwatch members, who make up most of Stirling’s licensed premises’ managers, meet regularly to discuss any issues they experience and suggest initiatives to keep the city’s night-time economy thriving and safe.
They also share information and photographs with each other via a fully digitised and secure communications system funded by Go Forth Stirling BID.
Earlier this year, Go Forth Stirling secured 15 radios for pub owners and other relevant stakeholders, such as volunteers with the Safebase ‘safe haven’ initiative, taxi marshals and Stirling Street Pastors.
The radios link pub and club managers with each other and to police officers, City Centre CCTV and The Thistles Centre.
Danielle McRorie-Smith, Project Director at Go Forth Stirling, said: “We are all working as hard as we can to strengthen confidence in Stirling’s evening economy and give people the chance to come into the city centre for an enjoyable and safe night out.
“This latest initiative is aimed at tackling the small number of troublemakers whose anti-social and criminal behaviour creates an unpleasant experience for everyone else.
McRorie-Smith added: “If there are serious incidents where the police are called out, then those responsible should be aware they will be banned not only from the pub where the trouble took place – but from all licensed premises run by Pubwatch members.
“The bottom line is that a banned individual is not allowed to enter any member’s premises until their ban is finished.
“Joining forces in this way makes it clear that troublemakers are not welcome and they and their anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated in any Stirling city centre pubs.”
Dave Thompson, General Manager of Fubar and co-chair of Pubwatch in Stirling, said: “The Pubwatch scheme aims to pinpoint the minority who cause trouble in Stirling and not those who want to enjoy alcohol responsibly.
“Ensuring the safety of our patrons and staff in and around licensed premises is a top priority for all of us and being part of Pubwatch is a fantastic way for our businesses to talk to each other and work in partnership with the police and other stakeholders.
“It all helps ensure a safe city centre and allows us to send out a clear, joint message that anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated within our premises.”
Featured Image Credit: Stirling Street Pastors
News Editor at Brig Newspaper
Fourth year Journalism Studies at the University of Stirling
