Cumbria Police and Whitehaven Pubwatch are hoping to crack down on alcohol-fuelled disorder over the festive season by warning of lengthy bans.

Any offences fuelled by alcohol in Whitehaven like assault, disorder and drug crime will incur a 13-month ban.

The stricter punishment will impact the social life of culprits; excluding them from the town’s pubs and off-license premises for two Christmases.

Exclusions usually run from one month to one year, with a two-year to lifetime ban for the most serious offences. As drinking habits have changed it is getting more and more difficult to manage licensed premises.

Police explained that many people drink before they come out making it tricky for licensees to gauge their level of inebriation.

This campaign reminds them to be vigilant, take extra care and avoid behaving inappropriately. It also serves to advise customers that it’s in their best interests to stop drinking if the licensee decides they’ve had enough, so everyone can have a happy Christmas.

PC Sarah Hindle of the Whitehaven Neighbourhood Policing Team, responsible for Licensing said: “From a Police perspective, licensing standards in Whitehaven are high and this campaign highlights their zero-tolerance approach to anti-social behaviour and crime.

“The aim is to remind individuals that they have to take responsibility for their own consumption of alcohol and subsequent behaviour.

“Christmas is meant to be a time of celebration with friends and family but unfortunately there are always a small number of people who take it too far. This often leads to disorder which creates stress and injury for pubgoers, pub owners, pub staff and even the Police.

“I am pleased to see Pubwatch partners imposing robust but appropriate bans, meaning that anyone causing trouble will be put on a ban for the next 13 months.”

Pubwatch is the licensed trade’s equivalent of Neighbourhood Watch and is aimed at promoting responsible drinking in a safe environment.

Over 20 local premises have voluntarily signed up to Pubwatch and members hold regular meetings to discuss matters arising within their own areas.

Chairman of Whitehaven Pubwatch Jason Fisher said: “This deals appropriately with individuals who commit trouble in pubs. The aim is to make sure people can come out to enjoy a safe and enjoyable night and that we as licensees will not tolerate anti-social behaviour or crime in our establishments.

“This gives a real consequence for those who choose to behave inappropriately. It means those causing trouble face a ban that impacts them this Christmas and next. The Whitehaven Pubwatch scheme is dedicated to ensuring people see the town as a safe place to socialise.”