Banff & District Community Safety Group supports the relaunch of a Pubwatch scheme

A new operation to tackle troublemakers and under-age drinkers in the Banff and Macduff areas has been launched through a local Pubwatch scheme. Licensees and the police have been working closely to revive the voluntary scheme and are spearheading a campaign or increased trade membership. A new poster has been produced as part of the drive to heighten awareness and make licensed premises safer and more enjoyable to visit.

Banff-based community beat officer Constable Neil Shand said:

"The scheme has not been very active in recent years.

"The new Pubwatch committee is determined to put all its efforts into making licensed premises in the Banff and Macduff area safer and more pleasant places to be.

"The purpose of the group is to combat violence, intimidation, dishonesty, vandalism, misuse of drugs and their supply, physical or verbal abuse and other relevant incidents."

The constitution of the Pubwatch scheme has been amended and a campaign is under way to recruit new members. Publicans and licensees involved have agreed a code of conduct. Depending on the severity of incidents, measures can be adopted to help stamp out bad behaviour.

Adopting football discipline procedures, the scheme will award yellow cards as initial warnings in the hope of deterring further bad behaviour. A red card will mean a one year ban from all licensed premises in the Pubwatch scheme. Customers who offend again appeal in writing within 28 days. An identity card scheme is being launched to target under-age drinkers.