Licensees declare lollipop campaign a success

Two licensees in Montrose, Scotland, have armed themselves with a new weapon in the ongoing battle against alcohol-fuelled anti-social behaviour - lollipops.

The pubs, in partnership with local police, have started handing out lollipops to pub-goers in the hope they'll be too busy sucking on sweets to disturb the peace with late-night singing, swearing and shouting as they move from pubs to clubs.

And despite the negative response from a few cynical drinkers, licensees have declared it a roaring success.

Donald Macleod, licensee at Sharky's, said: "There were queues coming out of the pub rather than queues coming in. People went single file to collect their lollies on their way out like at a turnstile."

He adds: "Five minutes before last orders I handed them out myself. I thought it would be better if I got more involved rather than just giving them to door staff, who have other things to think about. There was a bit of banter of course, but friendly banter."

The initiative is the brainchild of the Angus Drugs and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), who purchased the lollies, and Tayside Police. It mirrors similar initiatives in Manchester and Nottingham, where it was found people were less likely to become embroiled in a dispute if they were given a lollipop.

Mr Macleod was approached by police about the possibility of trialling the scheme with a view to extending it over the next four weekends.

He said: "We're definitely doing it again next weekend. I would encourage any licensee to do it. It's definitely a good idea."