Pubs launch zero tolerance policy

CAUSE trouble in one pub and you’re barred from them all.

That’s the tough message from publicans in an East Cork town who will launch a coordinated crackdown on trouble-makers, underage drinking, drunkenness and anti-social behaviour.

Individuals with convictions for drugs offences will also be barred, chairman of Youghal Vintners’ and Hoteliers’ Association, Colin Doyle, said.

Publicans, hoteliers and nightclub owners in Youghal will launch the BarWatch scheme in the Walter Raleigh Hotel tonight.

It is hoped the initiative will clean up the town’s image, which has been tarnished in recent months with on-street fights and late night public drinking.

The warning to potential patrons who misbehave will be highlighted on new posters which read “Out of One, Out of All” which will be displayed in all participating venues.

Mr Doyle, who runs JDs pub, said the town’s 24 bars, two night clubs, hotels, golf and rugby clubs are all backing the BarWatch project. Gardaí have also endorsed the scheme.

“A chain of command has been established with a list of phone numbers for all the other pubs,” Mr Doyle said.

“We will not tolerate trouble-makers and disruptive characters.

“If they are banned from one venue, the owners or management there will pass the description of the trouble-makers onto the other venues.

“If you’re barred from one pub, you’re barred from them all,” he said.

A similar scheme was launched in Clonakilty earlier this year.

Vintners there said the network system is working well.