Temple Bar traders get tough on ‘loutish’ behaviour

LOUTISH behaviour is under attack as part of a new campaign launched in Dublin’s Temple Bar yesterday.

The “Play Nice” campaign is aimed at cutting down anti-social behaviour in the 28-acre inner-city enclave.

Announcing a two-pronged attack to discourage loutish carry-on, local traders’ leader, Martin Harte, said: “This campaign is a practical set of measures which we hope will improve the quality of everybody’s experience and enjoyment of Temple Bar.”

“The issue of noise in any urban area is a difficult one to manage - we are urging people when down here to keep the noise levels down at night. However, it’s not aimed to be a big stick beating people and discouraging people from coming down here,” Mr Harte said.

Late night revelry by a minority of the 70,000 people who walk through the capital’s so-called West Bank has made life unpleasant for its 3,000 residents.

Imelda Malone, a resident for 13 years, said they had come to expect bad behaviour but said it should not be tolerated.

“I’ve been one of the original people here. There are lots of people who have lived here a long time and it’s our home and we don’t want to be pushed out of our home.”

By means of a publicans’ charter and a public awareness campaign, the traders hope to eliminate not only excessive noise but excessive alcohol consumption, public urination and littering.

So far 13 pubs - but not all licensed premises in the district - have signed up to the charter, which envisages better staff training and an agreed code of practice.

Traders will attempt to shift the focus from drinking to cultural shows.

The new initiative is being supported by Dublin City Council, the gardaí and Dublin Bus.