Police call for pub traffic-light scheme

Senior police have called for traffic-light grading of licensed premises to determine how closely they should be monitored.

More time for police to object to temporary event notices (TENs), getting courts to take a tougher line on problem venues, and a national database of personal licence holders — with ages and places of birth — have also been urged.

The recommendations were made in a confidential report for Government, details of which have been obtained by the Morning Advertiser.

The report is expected to be used as the basis of a Home Office-backed "toolkit" guide for police and councils about identifying and dealing with problem venues.

The report also advises where changes could be needed to licensing laws.

Sargeant Richard Hurt, of Lancashire Police, and inspector Chris Weeks, of Dorset Police, visited 58 towns and cities across the country over the summer to collect evidence.

Under the proposed traffic-light scheme, licensees at venues graded red — those deemed to be a likely cause of disorder — would need to "engage" weekly with the local licensing officer.

Amber and green venues would also require meetings, on a monthly and annually basis respectively. The lists would be "fluid" — venues could move from red to amber grading, or vice versa.

The report calls for the amount of time police have to object to temporary events notices to be extended. Hurt said: "Forget 24 hours — let's go to something like 10 days, so at least we have the chance of nipping in the bud sly operators who bend the law to suit themselves."

Police called for clearer guidance for the Crown Prosecution Service to encourage more premises licences to be removed, noting "major differences across the country" at the moment.

They also want "clear guidance" on closure notices, noting that some forces use them incorrectly.

Other calls include ensuring people can only be the designated premises supervisor of one premises.