Pub troublemakers could face venue legal action

Those behind the scheme hope it will deter those who would otherwise cause problems

Violent customers could find themselves facing legal action from bars and pubs in a new scheme being trialled in Nottingham.

The Violence in Venues Agreement (VIVA) initiative will see participating businesses helped to launch civil action against offenders.

Backed by the It's In Nottingham businesses improvement body, venues will display prominent signage warning of action if customers cause trouble.

Organisers said they hope the promise of swift financial penalties will make problem drinkers "think twice".

Andrew Napier said Nottingham faced the same disorder issues as other cities

VIVA sees the venue take civil action against offenders, alongside any criminal action launched by the Crown Prosecution Service.

Any fine awarded by the court against the culprit would then be shared between VIVA, a non profit-making organisation, and the venue.

Andrew Napier, from It's In Nottingham, said: "We see the scheme very much as a deterrent.

"Like any big city, many people come out and have a great time and go home happy.

"But there are always individuals who, especially when they have had alcohol, bring the potential for violence.

"And we hope those individuals will see the signs, see the scheme and really think twice."

Club manager Riess Kandola said they would go the 'extra mile' to keep people safe

So far, 15 venues have signed up, with another 23 in talks about joining.

Riess Kandola, who runs the Ghost Nottingham club, said it was always useful to have more safety measures.

"We want to go the extra mile to keep people safe," he said.

"Whenever we are told 'there's this scheme' or 'there's that scheme' we are straight on it.

"Because ultimately, the only way this night time economy in this city can prosper is for the students to be safe and the locals to be safe.

"If you are not covering both those angles, it is not going to survive."