§ Mr. CollinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the impact of the Human Rights Act 1998 on pub-watch schemes; and if he will make a statement. [155559]
§ Mr. Charles ClarkeThe Government are keen to promote pub-watch schemes which involve licensees working together to reduce alcohol-related violence and disorder on licensed premises. The schemes may involve information about known troublemakers being passed between local licensees for this purpose.
We do not consider that these schemes, which are supported by the police, are in any way incompatible with the Human Rights Act 1998. The Act should not therefore have any impact on properly run schemes.