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Bars in violence hotspot agree to booze pricing deal
PUBS and clubs in troubled Guildhall Walk in Portsmouth have agreed a minimum price for alcoholic drinks to help prevent violence.
The News understands that premises in the area -all of which are Portsmouth City Pubwatch members - have decided to charge at least 1.50 for alcoholic drinks.
Police have given a cautious welcome to the plan, which comes after the recent spate of violent attacks in the area.
It follows heavy criticism by Hampshire Constabulary Chief Constable Alex Marshall of 'totally irresponsible' drinks promotions at some venues in the area.
The agreement between bars and clubs in the busy nightspot has been made following talks at a Pubwatch meeting on Thursday.
Now Inspector Louise Tester from Hampshire police's alcohol-related violent crime and licensing team is calling on licensees to continue working together.
She said: 'It's a great start. It's definitely a positive move. My concerns are more about the irresponsible selling. If you sell a drink for 50p or 5 I don't mind but I expect them to sell responsibly.
'What worries me is things like two-for-one offers. It's very good to see Pubwatch working together. We will need to see how that manifests itself. My concern is that you can sell a triple vodka and Redbull for 1.50. It needs to be managed carefully.'
Incoming Pubwatch chairman Bill Dearsley said: 'We aren't allowed to price fix.
'The police wanted to ensure that we undertake low pricing and promotions responsibly. We discussed the minimum level that everybody would feel would be responsible.'
A spokesman for the Walkabout bar in Guildhall Walk, a member of Portsmouth City Pubwatch, said: 'As a result of activities over the last couple of weeks, we want to be pro-active in helping to increase the safety of all local people.
'So although we don't run big drinks promotions, we will review our drinks prices over the next few days to ensure we remain at the forefront of responsible retailing.'
A 20-year-old Portsmouth man suffered a broken jaw after being attacked at Liquid and Envy nightclub, Stanhope Road, Landport, early on Monday.
Adam Hartley, 25, of Lakeside, Fareham, and Charles Hamilton, 20, of Gordon Road, Fareham, were arrested later that day and were charged with using threatening words or behaviour at the club. Hartley is also charged with assaulting a 26-year-old man.
In the early hours of May 25, a 30-year-old serviceman was seriously hurt in a fight near Guildhall Walk taxi rank. Private Matt Brooks, 18, died after being attacked at Yates's, Guildhall Walk, and in Alec Rose Lane car park on May 13.
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Friday 10 February 2012
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