POLICE have urged licensees in Swaffham to keep a list of rowdy customers whom they would like to ban in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour.Insp Ady Porter told publicans, shopkeepers and hotel managers in town he was keen to keep a close watch on individuals who may be abusing, intimidating and assaulting staff and other customers on their premises.

POLICE have urged licensees in Swaffham to keep a list of rowdy customers whom they would like to ban in a bid to crack down on anti-social behaviour.

Insp Ady Porter told publicans, shopkeepers and hotel managers in town he was keen to keep a close watch on individuals who may be abusing, intimidating and assaulting staff and other customers on their premises.

The move is part of a Pubwatch campaign initiated by Norfolk Constabulary which encourages businesses selling alcohol to compile a log of individuals who cause drink-related problems on repeated occasions.

“We are trying to get Swaffham's 44 licensees to start a list of people whom they would like to see banned,” Insp Porter said.

“If a common decision is taken to bar these people from entering the premises, a letter will be delivered to them by the police, informing them of the ban.”

Meeting at the George Hotel in town last Wednesday, Insp Porter heard from several licensees that they had experienced a number of incidents with members of the travellers' community.

However, Insp Porter said businesses should beware of stigmatising the whole community, insisting that it was individuals who caused problems, rather than the whole group.

He also heard from shopkeepers who complained about teenagers who often behave violently when staff refuse to sell them alcohol.

Hearing the complaints, Insp Porter said the only way to solve anti-social problems was to enlist the support of all licensees in town and the surrounding areas.

He called on all publicans, shopkeepers and hotel managers in Swaffham attend next month's Pubwatch meeting at the George Hotel on Wednesday, July 16 at 4pm.