Police warn pubs over serving 'drunks'

Jul 22 2009 by Wendy Scott, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

MONKLANDS Police are set to crackdown on excessive drinking this summer with a stern message for licensees – “think before you serve”.

Chief Superintendent Graham Cairns, Divisional Commander for the area, is determined to have a positive impact on alcohol-related violence and is set to get tough with anyone selling alcohol to drunks.

He said: “There is an undeniable link between drinking too much and the issues of violence and anti-social behaviour in our communities.

“Licence holders and staff have a significant role to play in making sure that they act responsibly and don’t supply alcohol to people who have clearly had too much.

“My officers will play their part by conducting regular high-profile visits to offer reassurance to the public and to make sure licensees are acting within the guidelines.

“However, the onus is on them to take personal responsibility and be aware of the implications of selling drink to people when it is not appropriate.”

Under the Licensing (Scotland) Act 1976, it is an offence to serve alcohol to drunken persons. When someone has had enough to drink, licensees and their staff have a responsibility to withhold the service of more alcohol. This applies as much to an off-sales setting as it does to the sale of alcohol in pubs and clubs.

Mr Cairns added: “There will be a robust approach from officers, if licence holders and their staff are not adhering to the law they will be reported to the North Lanarkshire Council licensing board with the intention of having the licence for the premises suspended.

“We are committed to making a positive impact on the levels of violence and anti-social behaviour associated with excess alcohol consumption and we need everyone to play their part.

“The message is simple: 'if they have had enough they have had enough'.”

And Monklands Police Superintendent Henry Campbell added: “We used funding from Lanarkshire Alcohol and Drug Partnership for extra officers patrolling Airdrie and Coatbridge town centres over the festive season which led to a huge reduction in violent crime and disorder.

“We intend to use this year’s funding to repeat the exercise over the summer and winter months.”