Pub takes action after customer stabbing

A pioneering licensee is setting up a Knife and Drug Watch scheme after a customer was stabbed repeatedly in his pub.

Andy Gibson, who runs the Charleston Arms in Paisley, Scotland, is launching the initiative to encourage all pubs in the area to impose automatic lifetime bans on anyone convicted of a knife or drug offence.

The idea came after one of Andy's customers was stabbed five times while drinking in his pub just two weeks ago. The victim survived and is recovering form his injuries.

"There is a real epidemic of knife crime in West Scotland at the moment and tough action needs to be taken to stop it," he said.

"I want to see those convicted of any knife or drug crime receiving a permanent ban from all pubs in the area - that will send home the message that carrying knives and dealing drugs is not acceptable.

"My message is clear - come to the Charleston Arms to enjoy yourself but, if you carry a blade or deal in drugs, you are not welcome here."

Andy is already in talks with Strathclyde Police about how to take the scheme forward, but he is now looking for other publicans to pledge their support.

He said: "If more publicans join in, it won't just be my pub offenders are banned from - it will be all the pubs in this town.

"I need other pubs to get involved because then, if anything goes wrong, we can alert each other and work together."

A spokeswoman for Strathclyde Police said: "We as a force are fully supportive of the good work being done and we will work with all those involved to tackle any issues of concern for local publicans, in order to improve community safety."