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May 2021

Last Updated: 21/05/2021

Community

Harrogate Pubwatch relaunches to keep out town's troublemakers

by Connor Creaghan

| 21 May, 2021

Currently there are 32 people who are banned under Harrogate Pubwatch and 10 of those are banned for life. Most bans were for drug use, drug dealing, assault, nuisance and abuse.

Pictured from left are Matthew Chapman, Harrogate BID Manager; Dan Siddle, Crown Hotel General Manager; and Harrogate Pubwatch Secretary, Alan Huddart.

Harrogate Pubwatch has relaunched with a new app to help keep out the town's troublemakers as coronavirus restrictions ease.

It means that if anyone causes problems in one of Harrogate's venues, they will be banned from all venues taking part in the scheme.

Currently there are 32 people who are banned under Harrogate Pubwatch and 10 of those are banned for life.

The bans range from three months to life bans, depending on the severity of the issue.

Most exclusions were enforced after drug use, drug dealing, assault, nuisance and abuse, but they could be for carrying weapons or for more serious assaults.

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Harrogate BID has supported the local Pubwatch group in the relaunch by helping to fund the creation of the app.

Harrogate Pubwatch secretary Alan Huddart said:

“I’d like to thank both Harrogate BID and North Yorkshire Police for their support in helping Harrogate Pubwatch relaunch after the third national covid lockdown.

"With the hospitality industry once again being able to serve customers inside, we will see more businesses reopening, which is to be welcomed.

"By working together to exclude troublemakers, Harrogate venues can offer a safe and secure experience to those who simply want to enjoy the huge range of hospitality on offer in our town."

Matthew Chapman, manager of Harrogate BID, said:

“Aims of the BIDs are to make Harrogate safe and welcoming, and to support the town’s night-time economy. Harrogate Pubwatch does both, and that’s why we are happy to support them in funding the app.

“Harrogate’s hospitality offering is incredibly diverse, and while serving customers indoors is back on the menu, al fresco dining and drinking is here to stay, and our café culture will go from strength to strength.

“Ensuring visitors feel safe visiting town centre venues and walking around at night is of paramount importance to us.”

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Harrogate Pubwatch relaunches to keep out town's troublemakers

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