North's anti-social drinkers face one-year ban

Drinkers in the North involved in anti-social behaviour were warned today that they face a one-year ban from a leading nightspot as part of a scheme to combat crime.

The new programme is being introduced at Belfast’s Odyssey Pavilion, home to a string of outlets including pubs, clubs and a major concert hall.

The Belfast Against Nighttime Disorder (BAND) scheme will see Odyssey Pavilion licensees and restaurants serve civil exclusion orders on those committing anti-social behaviour, banning them from all participating outlets.

The scheme is in force from today and police, working in partnership with Belfast City Centre Management and Belfast City Council Community Safety Partnership, said they hoped to see it eventually rolled out across the city.

Tom Smith, Belfast city centre management city safe officer, said: “If a person commits anti-social behaviour in a BAND member’s premises, they will be served an exclusion order for one year.

“Their image may be distributed via a target file to the rest of BAND membership, where they may be excluded from entry.”

Belfast mayor Tom Hartley said the initiative was a positive development and would benefit the city’s nightlife.

“I welcome this new initiative which will provide a safer environment for all enjoying an evening out in our great city,” he said.

“It is another fine example of the joined-up thinking and partnership approach that works for the benefit of all in Belfast.”

Superintendent Chris Noble said the project had been successfully implemented in Burnley, England.

“BAND is a pre-emptive scheme which has been set up to keep the Odyssey safe and to reinforce the message that together licensees and police will not tolerate irresponsible behaviour,” he said.

“Crime figures for the past six months to date show that violent crime in south and east Belfast is down 9.29%, with 276 fewer incidents compared with the same period last year. Assaults are down by 18% – around 185 less offences.

“We are committed to reducing and preventing crime further through initiatives such as the Get Home Safe Campaign, continued partnership working and proactive patrolling. We are confident BAND will help us continue to do that.”

Odyssey Pavilion Centre manager Bobby Nicholson said: “The Odyssey Pavilion has volunteered to be the pilot area for BAND because of its unique pub and club set-up in a confined, secure environment and anyone who is excluded will be turned away by vigilant security staff.

“The Odyssey Pavilion is a great place to have a good time.”