PUBS and police will be cracking down on under-age boozers and alcohol-fuelled violence across south Cumbria this Christmas.

Sergeant Andy Travis, who is leading the policing of the night-time economy, says extra officers will be on the streets, especially tonight – traditionally known as Black Eye Friday.

Mike Fallon, owner of the Theatre Bar in Cavendish Street, Barrow, has been behind the bar for the last 24 years during the Christmas period.

He says staff have the most trouble with people out on festive work outings who simply can’t handle their booze and try to keep up with co-workers downing spirits and shots.

Sgt Travis said: “Our approach to this operation is to ensure everybody can enjoy themselves and have a good night out.

“We would remind party-goers to drink responsibly and know your limits. Violence and disorder will not be tolerated.

“Cumbria police will be putting extra resources in place over December 18 and 19 which traditionally is the busiest weekend of the year for the pubs and clubs in our town centres.

“High-visibility policing will be carried out in Barrow, Dalton and Ulverston. Barrow police are looking forward to what should be a fun, friendly and festive weekend. We will be using the @BarrowPolice Twitter account throughout the weekend.”


Mike Fallon Mr Fallon said: “It’s the same every year. It doesn’t seem to change and it’s quite often the same people.

“We have had our meetings with the police so we are all briefed.

“The problem you have is the once-a-year come-outers who don’t know how to handle their drink. It used to be that people would come out for a few pints but now it’s spirits and shots that are involved and these people are just not used to drinking like that.

“I can spot the individual a mile off. It tends to be the same people year in year out on their annual work Christmas do.

“Then there’s the other groups who have someone with them who is not quite 18. I won’t let them in so they tell me the whole group will go then and that they would have spent £200.

“That doesn’t bother me. That’s their choice. I’m not going to lose my licence.”

Ulverston and District Licensed Victuallers Association chairman, Mike Mackenzie, said: “We fully support the Christmas campaign targeting under-age drinkers, binge drinking and alcohol-related violent crime. We will be working very closely with the police and licensing authorities to make this campaign a success. All public houses are adopting a ‘think 25’ policy. If we think a customer looks under 25, then they will be asked for ID to prove they are over 18.

“Only passports or photo driving licences will be accepted as a form of ID. We would therefore ask our customers who look under 25 to carry ID or be refused service in licensed premises. Also, anyone we feel has had too much to drink will not be served.”

Mr Mackenzie said licensees were aware they were approaching a very busy time for them and they wanted to wish everyone a very happy Christmas and new year.

He added: “We must advise all our customers that we wish to continue with the success of the Bar Watch scheme and will not tolerate any anti-social behaviour.

“Any person who threatens the safety of any member of the public or staff, or behaves in a manner which is deemed unacceptable, or if there is reasonable suspicion of a drug-related offence being committed, will be banned.”

  • Tonight Evening Mail staff will be out with police on patrol in Barrow town centre. Follow reporter Robyn Durdy on Twitter  @RobynDurdyNWEM  for live updates
  • Read our guide on how to take control of your alcohol intake  here
  • Read what police put in place last Christmas  here
  • What happened last Festive Friday  read more