New pub banning order used for first time

A man who broke his Pubwatch banning order more than 40 times has been handed the country's first Drinking Banning Order by magistrates.

The order bans Ryan Kane of West Bar, Banbury, Oxfordshire, from going into pubs or clubs or buying alcohol from any licensed venue for two years - the maximum penalty under the new power.

Banbury Magistrates heard Kane, 24, had already been banned from entering Pubwatch premises for more than three years for intimidating and harassing customers.

Drinking Banning Orders, which came into force on 31 August this year, can last between two months and two years. Breaching them can result in fines of up to £2,500.

National Pubwatch chairman Steve Baker said: "We are pleased that the police have responded and dealt positively with a serial offender.

"This case was brought by the police because they were aware of his continuing anti social behaviour despite the best efforts of the local Pubwatch scheme to prevent him gaining access to licensed premises.

"I hope that he now abides by the Drinking Banning Order and if he doesn't I am sure that local licensees will fully support the police in any further action they deem necessary."