Further to your analysis of the idea of “drunk tanks” (The Argus, September 28), where people may be detained if they are too drunk and billed for it, I would like to comment.
I have worked in the leisure trade for ten years. Raising prices and putting out Government warning videos and posters hasn’t changed a thing.
Drunk tanks would make the people causing the problems think twice.
Both prices and the general antisocial behaviour we are trying to stop prevent people going out to enjoy themselves.
Bar staff can’t define intoxicated. And asking someone to leave or saying they have had too much causes arguments and can lead to violence.
Some people handle booze better; some can’t. The companies offering cheap drinks while the rest of us try hard to even make a living need to show much more responsibility.
Licensing objectives work but again defining “drunk” and protecting staff from abuse is very difficult.
Get the people causing problems to pay, get them off the streets. Other more responsible people can then go out and not be afraid of being bothered.
This scheme is a must. It won’t affect those who don’t cause problems – just the ones who are causing the fear for everyone else.
I can’t see a better way.
Thomas Taylor, pub, club and restaurant manager of Brighton
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