PEOPLE convicted of alchohol-related crime in Pendle could be slapped with a ‘booze ASBO’.

For the first time in Lancashire, officers will apply for a Drink Banning Order (DBO) every time someone is convicted of an offence while under the influence of drink.

The orders could see offenders banned from every club and pub in the borough for between two months and two years.

Anyone who breaches a DBO could be fined up to £2,500.

DBOs will be sought from magistrates whenever people are convicted of drink-related offences such as being drunk and disorderly, criminal damage and assault.

But the scheme will not cover football-related offences, drink driving, domestic violence, or when the offender is drink dependent or under the influence of drugs which carry higher penalties.

Inspector Paul Leigh said: “Tackling alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder is one of our top priorities and the orders are an additional tool to help us tackle the issue.

“They stop those people who are well known to the police, licencees and often the communities, from ruining lives and will make them face up to their actions.”

More than 100 people are excluded from licenced premises in Nelson, Colne and West Craven, under the Pub-Watch scheme.

Between December 15 last year and January 4 there was only one alcohol-related offence within licenced premises in Pendle.

In the last two weeks police in Pendle have applied for 13 DBOs.

Maggie Owens, landlady at the Union Exchange, Colne, said: “The introduction of DBOs for all alcohol related convictions will add extra support for Pendle licencees and help them to make the pubs and clubs a safer environment.”