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Belfast Against Nighttime Disorder (B.A.N.D.) Launch
Police working in partnership with Belfast City Centre Management’s City Safe partnership, Belfast City Council, and Community Safety Partnership, have given their support to a new initiative which will provide a safer environment for those enjoying the vibrant night life in the Odyssey Pavilion.
The initiative, B.A.N.D., will see Odyssey Pavilion licensees and restaurateurs collectively ban those individuals who have been served an exclusion order after committing antisocial behaviour in a B.A.N.D. member’s premises.
Tom Smith, Belfast City Centre Management City Safe Officer, explains: “If a person commits anti-social behaviour in a B.A.N.D. member’s licensed premises, they will be served an exclusion order for one year. Their image may be distributed via a target file to the rest of B.A.N.D. membership where they will be excluded from entry.”
Superintendent Chris Noble said: "This is a new and innovative scheme which has proved very successful in areas of England where it has been implemented. We have worked very closely with all partners in B.A.N.D. and will continue to do so as the scheme is implemented. This is another example of excellent partnership work within Belfast with all organisations coming together to provide a safe and enjoyable environment where members of our community and visitors can visit the Odyssey Pavilion and make the most of all that is on offer.
"B.A.N.D. is a pre-emptive scheme which has been set up to keep the Odyssey safe and to reinforce the message that together licensees and police will not tolerate irresponsible behaviour.”
Belfast Lord Mayor Councillor Tom Hartley said: “I welcome this new initiative which will provide a safer environment for all enjoying an evening out in our great city. It is another fine example of the joined up thinking and partnership approach that works for the benefit of all in Belfast
Bobby Nicholson, Odyssey Pavilion Centre Manager, welcomed the initiative: “The Odyssey Pavilion has volunteered to be the pilot area for B.A.N.D. because of its unique pub and club setup in a confined, secure environment and anyone who is excluded will be tuned away by vigilant security staff. The Odyssey Pavilion is a great place to have a good time.
30 July 2010