A NEW no tolerance policy to troublemaking lager louts is being rolled out in Romford.

Havering Council has joined forces with the police and licensees in the hope of keeping the town free from drink-related disorder at night.

Under the new scheme which launches this weekend, anyone banned from one licensed premises for booze-fuelled anit-social behaviour will be banned from them all.

The “Banned From One, Banned From All” policy applies to louts involved in alcohol-related violence, drugs, criminal damage, theft and carrying of offensive weapons.

A person does not need to be convicted at court or even arrested to receive a ban.

If there is an incident inside or just outside a premises, the council will set up a meeting between licensees and the police to discuss the issues.

A separate panel made up of a number of licensed premises will make the decision on whether a person will be banned.

Offenders will be informed of the ban and it’s length by letter which will be hand delivered or sent by recorded delivery. The length of the ban will vary depending on the circumstances. They will have the opportunity to appeal.

Photos of banned people will be distributed to all 16 pubs, clubs and bars in the town centre so that the troublemakers can be identified by door and bar staff.

John Hogan, general manager at Yates’s in Romford, said: “It is good the council has set this up. There aren’t many troublemakers who repeatedly cause problems, but those that do can now be banned from the town centre and leave it to people who just want to enjoy themselves. It will send out the right message.”

Insp Mick Bates, from Havering Police, added: “The new banning scheme builds on the good work of the policing licensing enforcement team and night time security briefing. We now have one town centre banning scheme that ensures that information will be passed quickly from door staff and police. This will ensure that people who engage in antisocial behaviour at one venue cannot simply move on to another.”

The scheme, which the council intends to extend to Hornchurch and other areas across the borough, builds on the council’s work to achieve Beacon Award in the After Dark category last year for its excellence in managing the night time economy.

Councillor Geoff Starns, cabinet member for community safety, said: “We want more people to come into Romford to have fun knowing that it is a safe place to enjoy a night out. But for those who don’t know their limits and get into trouble then remember this - banned from one, banned from all.”