Northumberland pubs issue refusal cards

Police have provided 1,500 Northumberland pubs with "refusal cards" that can be given to troublesome customers as a sign that they won't be served any more.

Northumbria Police have issued informaton packs to all the pubs in the area that include a letter, a newsletter and the new cards.

Staff will be free to give drunk, aggressive or otherwise unwanted customers a card, which will detail the reason they have been refused service.

"We know that alcohol is frequently a factor when people become violent or cause disorder — which is why we are working closely with licensees to remind people to know their limits and stay in control when they have a night out," said licensing officer for Northumberland Area Command Steve Cochrane.

"The new refusal cards are designed to give people a warning that their behaviour has become unacceptable. The staff know that if they need the police we are only a call away."

The idea for the cards came after bar staff informed police that they felt uncomfortable dealing with drunk and troublesome customers.