A north-east nightclub is seeking council backing for a new scheme, whereby staff will have the power to detain troublesome revellers until the police arrive.
Mambo’s in Peterhead is one of two late-night clubs in the coastal town, which has been the scene of several criminal incidents in the past.
Now, in an attempt to clamp down on aggressive behaviour from customers leaving the premises, bouncers could soon be able to prevent them from disappearing into the night by detaining perpetrators until police backup arrives.
In a paper to be discussed by Aberdeenshire Council’s licensing board later this week, the club will unveil its new dispersal policy by which its staff must abide.
In addition to ensuring no patrons leave the property carrying alcohol, bottles or glasses, an exclusion zone will be set up in an area about 30ft from the front door.
Solicitor Janet Hood has written the policy for the club and explained the principles behind it.
She stated: “We have no legal right to move them [customers] along, we are simply protecting the premises and assisting police with the safe return home of night-time customers.
“Therefore, we can encourage patrons in a firm but polite manner to make their way home, but we can never take the physical initiative or get into an argument with patrols.
“If necessary and only if it is safe to do so, [security staff can] detain aggressors until the police arrive.
“Stopping an incident does not always require a physical intervention.”
The licensing board meets tomorrow in Peterhead to discuss the policy. But, in 2015, police said violence near Mambo’s was becoming less prevalent than it had been in the past.
Speaking after an incident which left a man requiring hospital treatment after he was assaulted at the club, Constable Ras Zubaj said: “Overall, a community effort, including brilliant work from the police, means that violence in the area is less frequent.
“The council hold regular meetings with the police and obviously it is a topic that will be discussed in depth.”
