“The real problem here is the underaged drinking that is going on. Im only 16 and fully aware of the fact that all my mates go out and drink because of the simple fact that "there is nothing else to do". I can sympathise with that, but on the other hand there are 12 year olds out there being arrested for getting drunk. How about the police do something about it rather than slapping them on the wrists every single time. Sure I may be snitching on my friends or whatever, but i care more about their well being than some pathetic lot who get off their faces on drink every weekend because there is quite frankly, no authority left. How about the community wake up to the real problems at heart for a change? Im 16 and already world weary enough to realise that the world we live in is a mess, moreso down this way it seems. Get some authority back into the situation, the police seem to have no power what so ever. Fear is the key, years ago people didnt commit crimes because they were scared of punishment. Now, people, including people my age, actually break the law on purpose because "its funny" and they get away with it... Every single time. Learn something from this, there is a bad world under your snotty noses. Act like it.”

“I too work as a doorman in the city, surely anything that gets drunken undesireables off of the streets,is a good thing for everyone, regardless of who suggests it and what company they work for.”

“it used to be that local councillors, like the military and police could not work in environments where their councillor work could be compromised-'asbos' will nto stop 'teenagers' and young people from enjoying themselves-we are a major university city and many of the young people are 1st time away from home-re-education is needed and the best people are the door staff, who seem to manage well with 'people skills' to sort the problems out and keep them contained-'asbos' will cause a loss of revenue to all pubs/clubs and loss of jobs too-the entertainment business in the city is a major employer-but 'councillors' don't worry about these things as they have their job security in the council! the police don't have the time for all the paperwork 'asbos' will create-Mr Myers seems to be in touch with reality and Mr Choules just using his 'councillor' position to make an issue!”

“ROB... serving alcohol to a drunk person is already an offence and the person serving - no the licensee - pays the fine. Clearly, this doesn't work as folk are going in pubs drunk and coming out more drunk. A lot of the trouble happens when the drunks are thrown out and demand to get back in to get their coat, mates or partner! There is no easy answer but alcohol is a key factor in most violent crime.”

“A lot of this trouble stems from the fact the pubstaff and management serve drunks. I thought this was illegal? I think a lot of the problems lie with the pubs themself, maybe we should also be talking about punishing those that do. Lets face it most pubs in the city centre couldnt give a monkeys about who they are serving and whether they have had enough drink. Again, profits before responsibility, then it falls to the doorstaff and Police to pick up the pieces when it all goes wrong. I wonder if CCTV inside pubs is actually ever used to prosecute barstaff who break this law. They serve the booze, they should be more picky, and keep a closer eye on whats going on not just on the other side of the bar but on their own side also. The times I have been in pubs watch people get served till they are out of control, then they get kicked out so it becomes more of a public problem. Lets keep an eye on who serves the drunks, then prosecute them as well. I think it has to be tackled from every angle. The drink culture in Exeter of an evening is ruining it for those of us who like to socialise and have a drink and not 'kick off''.”

“Why do some people insist on perpetuating the myth that Exeter City centre is a dangerous and/or scarey place to be at night?

Violence and anti-social behaviour is not the norm, although it does occur sometimes as in any metropolis, and the Door Supervisors, ECC CCTV and Police provide ample safety and security for the public.

As long as the media, anti drink campaigners and the risk adverse promote the perception that the City Centre is a no go area at night full of drunken, psycopathic lunatics who will assault / mug / rape / kill you, then a great number of people will be put off venturing into the City and enjoying the varied establishments which can and do cater for all tastes.

I regularly socialise in the pubs and clubs and have done so for nearly 30 years and hope to carry on for a good while yet.
If you take reasonable, sensible precautions for your personal safety as you would in any other area of any city in the world then Exeter offers great enjoyment for all ages.

So dont be scared off by the worry-mongers and the occasional media hype. Go and give it a try, you may be pleasantly surprised!”

“Why not refuse to serve anyone who is drunk and remove them from the pub or club.Should the bar people not be responsible for all their customers safety these drunken few will soon get the message and stay away.”

“Mr Singh please sign a different tune, you are BORING me!!!!”

“Its a tough one this. How to get the balance right - protecting the public, or protecting an individuals percieved 'rights'. Well I reckon always for the greater good, come down like a ton of bricks on drunken, offensive, violent, aggressive, temporarily psycotic? behaviour. These doorstaff may not always be the top of anyones christmas card list(well most of the blokes, anyway!), but, they are there not just to protect the pub, they protect us! The Police and doorstaff need to work closely with one another to work out the best way to protect the public. ASBOs are a way forward as a lot of people do not find Exeter a safe place to be at night, clean up these animals who create aggro and perhaps many law abiding people would go to town on a weekend(or weeknight). It would be better for all, and its all of us who need protecting.”

“Mr Choules
Should be Put in Charge And The Police Should Take Advice From Him As He seems To Know What He Is talking About After Years On The Doors.
Also Maybe We could Raise the Age limit To 21.For Pubs.”