'Ban threat works' (From Penarth Times)

'Ban threat works'

PENARTH hostelries are welcoming the launch of a new project set to make their premises safer.

The Pubwatch Scheme, which has seen real success in other parts of the Vale of Glamorgan, was launched in the St Fagan's Castle pub, in Windsor Road.

More than 90 percent of the pubs in Penarth were represented at the launch on Tuesday.

PC Steve Davies, of Penarth police station, said: "There are very few incidents of violence in Penarth, but this scheme will help make sure that any alcohol-related aggression in or around pubs does not go unpunished. The publicans will meet every four to six weeks and discuss any problems. If there are individuals causing trouble, they will be banned from all premises in the Penarth area."

The scheme is extensive, reaching from the Oystercatcher in Penarth Marina all the way to the Harvester on Lavernock Road.

Diane Jones, of the Cefn Mably, said: "My husband has a pub in Barry and has seen this work first-hand. The prospect of getting banned from all your local pubs in one go makes a real difference to anyone thinking about making trouble."

Stephen Docking, of the St Fagan's Castle added: "This scheme will not only make it nicer for people to enjoy a quiet drink without the fear of a nuisance element, but it will also make it better at closing time. We want to take the risk of harassment off the street after people have drunk a little too much."

The wording on the posters displayed in member pubs makes it clear that anyone caught creating problems in or around the premises faces being banned from all of them.

Sgt Roger Davies added: "The scheme is already taking off across the rural Vale and will soon be adopted by pubs in Sully and Dinas Powys. And it's not just limited to small community areas. Larger cities across the country are coming on board, making it a highly popular and very successful idea."