Blears and Reid support Pubwatch

Home Secretary John Reid and Labour Party chairwoman Hazel Blears have vowed to speak up in support of Pubwatch groups.

They pledged support when they met Inspector Joe Murray, co-ordinator of West Cumbria Pubwatch, at the House of Commons.

"John Reid is absolutely sold on it," said Murray. "Hazel Blears indicated that she would be travelling around the country in support of Pubwatch and I think Mr Reid will be with her on some occasions.

"She was after some information that she could take away with her about the benefits of Pubwatch schemes."

Blears said: "I originally came across the work of Pubwatch schemes whilst I was a minister at the Home Office and immediately was aware of the valuable, innovative work and success achieved by the scheme.

"I would highlight the scheme's work on combating domestic violence and continue to promote the scheme's merits and value at every opportunity. It was great to meet members of the scheme at the House of Commons and thank them for their hard work."

National Pubwatch honorary secretary Malcolm Eidmans welcomed the support but said: "I would like to see some actions to accompany the words."

He called for Government to adjust data protection laws to make it easier for Pubwatches to exchange photos of troublemakers.

Drink drivers to be issued bans

Pubwatch bans are to be handed out to drunk drivers and people convicted of domestic violence and vandalism in Workington, Cumbria.

Licensees will also be asked to reduce the price of soft drinks and provide free water to curb drink driving.

Murray, who co-ordinates Pubwatches in both Workington and Whitehaven, said police will ask drunk drivers where they had been drinking and "if it's possible to identify that someone has been drinking in pubs and clubs, they will be considered for exclusion".

Vandals face Pubwatch bans until they pay to clear-up the cost of vandalism, and people convicted of domestic violence after drinking will also be considered for bans, Murray said.