We are working with partners to launch ‘Behave or Be Banned (BOBB)’, a new scheme to help ensure that people have a safe and enjoyable night out in South Gloucestershire.
During November and December, we are joining forces with Avon and Somerset Police, Safe and Sound taxi marshal service providers, Pastor volunteer support services, and local Pubwatch schemes to help reduce incidents of alcohol-related disorder.
The BOBB scheme is hoped to serve as an early deterrent of unacceptable alcohol related behaviour during the Festive Season and will begin with a pilot in Chipping Sodbury, before rolling out to Kingswood in early Spring 2019.
The initiative will see our anti-social behaviour (ASB) & community safety team combining Community Protection Notice (CPN) powers and the existing Pubwatch scheme to target and ban repeat offenders from frequenting the pubs and venues they have caused trouble in. The scheme adopts a ‘banned from one banned from all’ approach where licensed venues work together to keep troublemakers at bay. If a CPN is breached then the offender can be punished by fine and in some cases we can also apply for a remedial or forfeiture order.
Cabinet Member for Communities and Tourism Cllr Paul Hughes said: “We want to make sure that all of our residents are able to enjoy a safe night out over the festive period.
“In town centres where there are several bars and restaurants located close together, a heavy drinking culture can sometimes develop which in turn can lead to negative consequences related to crime, disorder and anti-social behaviour.
“This is an excellent demonstration of the close working relationship which exists between police, council officers and other partners. Similar campaigns have been well received by people enjoying a night out and those living near the bars and restaurants.”
The BOBB scheme aims to:
* prevent the escalation of low level incidents
* prevent increased demand on police resources, ambulance service and hospital admissions
* prevent increased incidents of alcohol, drug related violence, anti-social behaviour, and criminal damage
* reduce the fear of crime.
Throughout the campaign, we will be working with partners to increase the operation hours for existing taxi and street marshals, distributing bottled water and promotional material with key messages to stay safe, and talking to licensed venues to provide support and awareness of hate crime.
Dates include Monday 24 December and Monday 31 December.
For more information about anti-social behaviour please visit www.southglos.gov.uk/asb
