The first Drinking Banning Order (DBO) was issued this month, banning a persistent troublemaker from entering licensed premises and off licenses in his home town.
The individual had been previously excluded from bars and pubs through the local Pubwatch scheme, but continued to enter premises and harass and intimidate staff, according to this press release and local press story. He has now been given a maximum 2 year DBO which, if breached, could result in a fine of up to £2,500. The length of the order may be reduced if an optional 'positive behaviour intervention' course is completed.
DBOs were introduced earlier this year as a measure to prevent known individuals who are causing alcohol-related disorder from entering specified licensed premises. They have been nicknamed 'drink ASBOs', though the Home Office points out they are intended as 'more of a short, sharp shock than ASBOs' and can not result in a custodial sentence. DBOs are currently only available on application to a local magistrates court - their effectiveness is being monitored by the Home Office who may then allow them to be more widely available as a post-conviction order.
See here for guidance on DBOs on application from the Home Office.
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