18th February 2008
Metal detectors for pubs and clubs
Airport-style 'knife arches' will be commonplace in pubs and clubs by 2011, under new Home Office plans to tackle violent crime.
Police will be given 110 portable screening units and 400 search wands that are understood to be small enough to fit in the back of a police car. The devices will be taken to venues as appropriate.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will today unveil the Tackling Violence Action Plan, which will also include measures to significantly reduce guns, gangs, and instances of binge drinking and rape by 2011.
"Serious violent crime accounts for 1% of all crime," she said. "But where it does occur, it devastates lives and blights communities with fear."
However, the action is likely to frustrate publicans and nightclub owners concerned about the associated expenses and impact on atmosphere.
"The use of knife arches at pubs should be carried out on a case-by-case basis rather than stigmatising businesses when the vast majority are run professionally by responsible licensees," said Matt Eley, news editor at industry magazine The Publican.
"In some instances, arches could help to reassure to the public. However, pubs generally offer a safe and managed environment for people to enjoy a drink," he continued.
"Much alcohol disorder stems from people drinking cheap booze sold at loss-leading prices by supermarkets. I wonder if knife arches will be used at those premises as well as pubs and clubs?"
Keith Bristow, violent crime lead at the Association of Chief Police Officers, said that "dealing with violence is also an issue for partners and local communities and not just law enforcement".
Police will be given 110 portable screening units and 400 search wands that are understood to be small enough to fit in the back of a police car. The devices will be taken to venues as appropriate.
Home Secretary Jacqui Smith will today unveil the Tackling Violence Action Plan, which will also include measures to significantly reduce guns, gangs, and instances of binge drinking and rape by 2011.
"Serious violent crime accounts for 1% of all crime," she said. "But where it does occur, it devastates lives and blights communities with fear."
However, the action is likely to frustrate publicans and nightclub owners concerned about the associated expenses and impact on atmosphere.
"The use of knife arches at pubs should be carried out on a case-by-case basis rather than stigmatising businesses when the vast majority are run professionally by responsible licensees," said Matt Eley, news editor at industry magazine The Publican.
"In some instances, arches could help to reassure to the public. However, pubs generally offer a safe and managed environment for people to enjoy a drink," he continued.
"Much alcohol disorder stems from people drinking cheap booze sold at loss-leading prices by supermarkets. I wonder if knife arches will be used at those premises as well as pubs and clubs?"
Keith Bristow, violent crime lead at the Association of Chief Police Officers, said that "dealing with violence is also an issue for partners and local communities and not just law enforcement".
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