East London pubs take to the airwaves
Licensees in Stratford are hoping that a new radio communications network will help them tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder.
Pubs and clubs in the East London borough have joined forces with Newham Council and the Metropolitan Police and will be using radios and CCTV so that they can respond to incidents more quickly.
Councillor Ian Corbett, mayoral adviser for anti-social behaviour, said: "Going to your local pub is an enjoyable experience. However, just one incident could make you think twice about returning.
"Fortunately in Newham, alcohol-related crime is relatively low and this new radio communications network will help to preserve this and ensure customers can continue to drink in a safe and secure environment."
Janet Dooner, Pubwatch member and licensee of the Railway Tavern in Angel Lane, Stratford, said: "The idea of Pubwatch is that if a licensee is having a problem with drunks, troublemakers, or under age drinkers, we can refuse to serve them, but they may move on to the next pub.
"Until now, we have only had a bleeper system, which doesn't work very well, or we have to do a ring around on the phone. The trouble is that some places change hands a lot, and numbers change, and it's hard to keep track of them. With the radios we will be able to contact each other instantly."
Pictured l-r: Steve Rawlins, Newham emergency services co-ordinator; Janet Dooner, joint licensee of the Railway Tavern in Stratford; Cllr Ian Corbett, mayoral adviser on anti-social behaviour and Sgt Alan Allwood, licensing sergeant.
