Mounted Police unit patrols Guildhall Walk and visits the Student Union. Photo Credit: Tom Worman

Two bars on the Guildhall Walk are facing restrictions because of violence and underage drinking.

Bar Me was forced to adopt more stringent conditions on their license in October. The restrictions on Bar Me followed an investigation by the police. Undercover officers visiting the bar reported large fights, drug taking, couples performing sex acts, drug spiking,under-age drinking, troublemakers being readmitted after starting fights, insufficient security staff, worryingly door, staff failing to co-operate with police. One officer stated that he felt that the venue was not a safe one.

The requests to limit the establishments’ licensing conditions are believed to have been the first time a new adjustment to the law has been used. Under amendments to the Licensing Act 2003, the Local Authority have the ability to fast track a review to Licenses and a quicker process to attach new conditions.

The latest establishment to come under fire is the Roast Bar. Hampshire Constabulary have requested that Portsmouth City Council review the bar's license is a response to repeated brawls and alcohol related violence. The Roast Bar currently has one of the latest licenses with permission to serve alcohol until 3am and remain open until 4am. The police's request is that the bar be prevented from serving alcohol past midnight and to then close by 1am.

Hampshire Police are reported as saying that the bar is poorly run and they are often is mayhem fuelled by alcohol.
Guildhall Walk is one of the most popular night time entertainment areas in the city, it also has a reputation as the most violent place in Hampshire. The police combined with the Safer Portsmouth Partnership have been actively trying to limit the number of alcohol related injuries, the campaign know as Operation Drink Safe was integral in submitting the application to limit the opening hours.

The operation also has increased police patrols including the deployment of a Mounted Police Unit and the introduction of a zero tolerance approach to the policing of alcohol related incidents.