Refusal on the cards for the young and drunk

RED cards are usually doled out on the football pitch, but no-nonsense bar workers in Oldham will be adopting a similar approach this Christmas.

Bartenders will be handing out the new refusal to serve cards to boozers in a bid to call time on anti-social behaviour.

Organisers are hoping to score a success with the initiative that is being rolled out across the town centre after a pilot study during the summer.

Two types of cards will be given to punters, one aimed at under-age drinkers with the slogan “No ID — No Serve”. They will be given to those who look under 25 and can’t prove their age.

Another boasts the bold heading “Refusal To Serve”, and that the person has been refused a drink because they have reached their limit.

Councillor Jean Stretton, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, said: “These cards have been used successfully in other parts of the country and are a good way to help defuse the twin issues of under-age and excessive drinking which bar staff and door supervisors regularly have to deal with.

“Refusal cards clearly set out the reasons why an individual has been refused entry and have already been proven as a useful way to help defuse potential conflict both at the door and at the bar.”

The initiative is being launched to help people have a safe and enjoyable time over Christmas and New Year and was launched in the Old Bank pub in Yorkshire Street.

Sgt Cherie Dunn, of Oldham Town Centre Neighbourhood Policing Team, said: “Christmas and the New Year is one of the busiest times of year for police which is why these cards are useful. They highlight those who have been refused service and support us in reducing anti-social behaviour and town-centre violence.”