Portsmouth pubs urged to ditch shots

Police are urging pubs and clubs in Portsmouth to stop selling shots after a recent spate of violence in the area.

Venues in the Guildhall Walk area have been in a number of talks with police on how to curb anti-social behaviour since the death of a serviceman in May.

Police asked that premises would consider not selling shots; buying body-worn cameras for doorstaff; using the Clubscan system to identify customers; and designating "floor watchers" to keep an eye on trouble inside.

Yates is no longer allowed to sell shots under a licence condition set in review following the death of 18-year-old Private Matt Brooks, which happened outside the bar.

"I have never made a secret of disliking shots," said sergeant Wendie Douglas. "A group of four lads will all buy a round with a shot — that's four shots each, and it's not instead of a beer, it's as well as.

"We've definitely seen a change in Yates and Guildhall Walk in general. The majority of venues are working very hard with us."

In June, 11 out of the 15 pubs and clubs in the area made a "voluntary agreement", with police backing, at a pubwatch meeting not to sell drinks for less than £1.50.

All venues have been warned that if trouble flares at premises ignoring police advice, they will go straight to review with temporary license suspension an option.

Yates owner Town and City Pub Company declined to comment.