Police receive new pub powers

Published Monday, 10 December 2012
Comments
Toggle font size
Print

New powers have been introduced by Social Development Minister Nelson McCausland, which allow police to close pubs and clubs when there is disorder.

Video available to UK viewers only.
We’re sorry. This video is unavailable from your location.

To find out if this video is available to you, we need to know what region you live in. Please enter your postcode below (including space).

Frequently Asked Questions

Thank you for confirming your region.

Frequently Asked Questions

We are sorry but this video is not available on u.tv in your region. Your region is listed below.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are you in Northern Ireland?

1. Why is my postcode required?

We are asking you to insert your postcode before watching some videos to confirm you can access the video content via u.tv.

This is because some videos on u.tv are only available in Northern Ireland.

Don't worry, we won't store or use this information for any other purpose.

If you are not in Northern Ireland, the content may be available to watch at itv.com or stv.tv.

2. Why am I directed to itv.com or stv.tv when I try to view certain clips?

The videos, which are not available on u.tv to users outside Northern Ireland, will be available to those users on itv.com (for users in England and Wales) or stv.tv (for most users in Scotland).

We need to know where you are in order to make sure you are getting the right content.

If you think we've got your location wrong, then please click here.

Need more help? Contact us

The new legislation allows a senior PSNI officer to close specific licensed premises, or a private members club, where unrest is occurring on the premises or in the vicinity of the establishment.

The new powers also enable a court to order licensed premises, or private members clubs, in an area of unrest or expected disorder to close for up to 24 hours.

Mr McCausland said that he hoped the powers never have to be used.

"As a rule, I know that the Police would prefer to prevent crime rather than to have to deal with its consequences.

"Disorder in pubs and clubs puts a strain on our emergency services and causes distress for those living in the vicinity," he added.

"I expect these new powers to deter anti-social behaviour in and outside pubs and clubs and help ensure the licensee runs an orderly house.

"I expect closure will only be used as a last resort".

Assistant Chief Constable George Hamilton has welcomed the new closure powers.

"These powers will allow police to make an application to a court for the closure of licensed premises or registered clubs in any area where disorder is occurring or expected, obviously police will use these powers sparingly and only where necessary in order to protect public safety.

"They also give police the power to make a closure order in respect of a single licensed premises or registered club again in the interests of public safety."

ACC George Hamilton acknowledged that the closure of any premises is "a significant step" and for that reason these powers will be used as "a last resort" and when all other options have been exhausted.

"The Police Service continually works in partnership with a wide range of organisations to assist in the process of creating a safe night time economy across all of Northern Ireland and will continue to do so."

© UTV News
Comments Comments
0 Comments
No comments. Be the first to comment.
POST A COMMENT:
Name:  
Email address*:    
Location:  
Validation:
House Rules:  
Your Comment:  
[All comments are moderated and will not appear immediately. Your name, location and comment will be displayed on this page if your post passes moderation.]
MOST POPULAR GALLERIES
Obama in Northern Ireland
Mon 17 June 2013
BGT: The semi-finals
Thu 30 May 2013