The last link in Angus efforts to keep the county’s bars safer at night was forged this week as Pubwatch officially arrived in Kirriemuir.
At Wednesday’s launch meeting, police officers Fergus Storrier and Pam Colvin joined community safety officer Claire Taylor in offering their support and advice to the group.
Pubwatch is operated by local licensed premises and, in simple terms, allows staff at separate premises to communicate with one another to deter violence and anti-social behaviour in their establishments.
The publicans at the first meeting aired concerns about how bans will be decided on, with initial ideas suggesting a majority vote at each meeting on proposals for bans.
A degree of coordination with other Angus towns was also suggested.
Ms Taylor said: ”We’ve got 10 out of 12 premises signed up and since this is more of a launch event for the group, there’s still plenty of time to get involved.
”The group needs to select its office bearers and whether they will add more items to the standard Pubwatch constitution.
”It’s great to have every town on board and the groups like Forfar, Monifieth/Carnoustie and Brechin are already a success.”
Mr Storrier said during the meeting: ”This will help people who just want to come out in Kirrie and enjoy a drink without any hassle.”
Pubwatch provides licensed premises with a direct link to Tayside Police where they can report individuals who are causing problems in the pubs, bars and clubs.
All premises that are part of Pubwatch are easily identified by the posters displayed at their entrances.
Inspector Kenny Hart said: ”Alcohol is a contributory factor in many of the incidents we deal with and Tayside Police fully supports any initiative that aims to reduce criminal activity and anti-social behaviour.
”It is fantastic to see a Pubwatch established in all major towns in Angus. It sends a clear message that alcohol fuelled violence and disorder will not be tolerated in Kirriemuir, or indeed any other town in Angus.”