Banned drinkers named on website in pub clampdown

A PUB Watch scheme which bans troublemakers from bars has "named and shamed" the unwelcome punters on a Facebook site.

Members of the Musselburgh and District Pub Watch have now barred 17 men and three women from a dozen licensed premises in the area since it was set up.

But they have gone further by publicly shaming those who have been blacklisted, as well as the length of their bans.

One of those banned, Gavin Inkster - who once received an Asbo banning him from entering the whole of Midlothian - has even tried to make light of his ban, putting the group's site under his "like" list on his own Facebook site.

Police and councillors have welcomed the scheme, established by publicans in Musselburgh, Wallyford and Whitecraig as a way to make the bars safer.

One man has been given a lifetime ban under the scheme for violent conduct and another 11 - including one woman - have received five-year bans.

Five-year bans can be handed out for behaviour that includes physical assault on staff members or members of the public, damage to the premises, drug dealing and possession, and possession of offensive weapons.

One and two-year bans can be given for refusing to leave licensed premises and verbal abuse of the public and staff.

A spokesman for Musselburgh and District Pub Watch said: "The scheme was set up 12 months ago by the former owner of the Mayfair, which has now closed. When she took over it, she felt she inherited a culture of drinking, drugs and violence at the pub and felt that Musselburgh deserved better.

"There are 20 names on the banned list now, but only one was added over the Christmas period, which I think shows the message is getting across.

"We didn't want a small minority of people spoiling nights out for the vast majority who are supportive of Pub Watch. Musselburgh has had problems, particularly with young people causing trouble. Some pubs are trying an over-21s policy and this is another tool for us to use.

"With the Facebook page, we checked with Lothian and Borders Police and they said as long as we didn't include personal details then it was all legal. We wanted to name and shame them and it seems to be working."

Councillor John Caldwell, who represents Musselburgh East and Carberry, said: "It's a great scheme. People go out for a drink to socialise and have a relaxing time without expecting any problems. By sharing this information between the pubs, they can keep out troublemakers and ensure people are safe."

The Dolphin Inn in Whitecraig was one of the founder members of the scheme.

Tragically, its landlord, Steven Curran, was killed in the pub car park last October, and a 24-year-old man arrested over his death.

A police spokesman said: "Lothian and Borders Police are committed to reducing the numbers of alcohol-related violent crime within our communities and continue to work closely with our partner agencies and licensed venues.

"The Pub Watch scheme allows venues to share information on individuals who present a potential risk.

"Anyone ejected for violent, threatening or disorderly behaviour will subsequently find themselves barred."