A HARD-hitting banning scheme received another boost this week as door supervisors pledged their support. Any doormen registered with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will be issued with armbands bearing the Nightsafe logo acting as a reminder of their membership to the scheme, which aims to rid unruly drinkers from Norfolk's pubs and clubs.

A HARD-hitting banning scheme received another boost this week as door supervisors pledged their support.

Any doormen registered with the Security Industry Authority (SIA) will be issued with armbands bearing the Nightsafe logo acting as a reminder of their membership to the scheme, which aims to rid unruly drinkers from Norfolk's pubs and clubs.

Launched in Yarmouth in January, the new Nightsafe scheme was devised by local businessman Mike Butcher and PC Gary Pettengell of Norfolk Police and sees unruly drinkers banned from member premises, with their profiles and photographs uploaded to a secure website so information on known troublemakers is shared. Troublemakers face a six month ban from member premises if they behaviour is considered unacceptable. The scheme was later launched in Norwich.

Nightsafe co-ordinator, chief inspector Gavin Tempest, said: “In Norfolk there are around 400 professional door supervisors - men and women trained and registered with the SIA to work in pubs and clubs looking after customers and making sure there is a safe but fun atmosphere for those enjoying evening's entertainment.

“In the last five years door supervisors have become vital to the partnership approach to public safety. The days are gone where problems inside licensed premises were moved out onto the streets.

“The police and staff inside venues now work together to prevent flare ups where innocent people are likely to get hurt.

“This is the Nightsafe philosophy working together to improve the night time environment and it all goes towards making Norfolk one of the safest and most popular visitor destinations for people of all ages.”

Jackie Munn, an SIA head of investigation said: “We support Norfolk Nightsafe and are working in partnership with Norfolk Police to help keep the busy night-time economy safe for the public. By law, all door supervisors must hold a frontline SIA licence and display this while working. Reflective armbands help the police and the public to identify these trained, professional and SIA-licensed door supervisors.”