PUBS and clubs could have their hours cut if there is a history of violence and disorder nearby.

Southend Council has proposed tougher licensing regulations for venues selling alcohol to crack down on crime and antisocial behaviour.

Halstead Gazette:

Concern - Dennis Baldry says revellers have their own duty to behave responsibly towards fellow visitors, staff and the surroundings

Under its plans, officials will look at crime figures near the location before deciding on a licence.

Martin Terry, cabinet member for community safety, said: “We have a number of licensees who are allowing people to become intoxicated and they then cause antisocial behaviour outside of the premises, which affect residents.

“We are looking for licensed premises to better take control and responsibility for the behaviour of the people who become intoxicated in their premises.

“It gives us more tools to deal with the problem and we expect licensed premises will manage what they are doing in a more responsible way.”

Dennis Baldry, chairman of Southend Business Improvement District, said: “While the new policy appears to increase the duty of care on licensed premises towards their customers, we should not lose sight of the fact that we all, as individual patrons of these venues and establishments, have a duty to behave responsibly towards fellow visitors, staff and the surroundings.”

However, Joan Tiney, chairman of Southend Seafront Traders’ Association and owner of the Borough Hotel, Marine Parade, claimed measures are already in place.

She said: “It has always been the case that if you knowingly serve a person who is drunk it is an offence, so I don’t know what a lot of this is intending to do.

“If someone turns up drunk at our pub then we won’t serve them and when someone appears to be drinking too much, they will be given warnings, so this is not something the council has dreamt up, this has always been the case. I feel they don’t know what they are talking about.”

Other changes include a staff training programme on detecting drunkenness, cracking down on cheap drink deals and promotions and stronger regulations for beer gardens and smoking areas.