Pubwatch uses video to screen barred punters

By John Harrington Aylesbury Pubwatch is using video cameras during interviews in a bid to improve the process of allowing barred people back into pubs.

Those who have been barred from pubs in the Bucking-hamshire town have, for several years, had the chance to plead their case with one or two members of the Pubwatch committee at the local police station under the observation of an officer.

But since July, barred people have been asked to sign a form allowing the interview to be recorded on video.

"If the two members feel there's a grey area that could do with referring back to the full committee [about whether the person should be dropped from the barred list], that video is available to them," said Steve Baker, crime reduction and partnership manager for Aylesbury Police.

"By videoing the interview it allows that person to have their say without the possibility that they will intimidate members of the committee."

The video tape could also provide interview tips for new Pubwatch members, Baker added.

Helen Wood, Aylesbury Pubwatch chairman and licensee of The Broad Leys, said: "It is quite good for the Pubwatch members who want to see what goes on, but are perhaps too timid to see it for themselves."

All of the five people interviewed so far have agreed to be taped.

The interviewing process is based on the idea of restorative justice.

The barred person sits face-to-face with a licensee so he can understand the harm he has caused.

"In the reparation process we hope they will agree their behaviour is wrong and make some form of commitment about their behaviour," said Baker.