Violent offenders could be barred from entering pubs, attending major concerts, and even going to football matches under a radical new government crackdown. The proposed 'Entertainment Banning Orders' represent one of the toughest measures yet to prevent known criminals from disrupting public life.
Inspired by the success of football banning orders, which have been used to curb hooliganism for decades, the new powers would allow courts to impose strict conditions on individuals convicted of serious violent or sexual offences. The aim is to protect the public by preventing perpetrators from entering spaces where alcohol and large crowds could fuel further trouble.
How The New Banning Orders Would Work
The system would function similarly to existing preventative orders. Upon conviction, the courts would have the authority to issue an order that could:
- Ban entry to licensed premises such as pubs, bars, and nightclubs.
- Prohibit attendance at large-scale events including music concerts, festivals, and major sporting events.
- Require the individual to surrender their passport to prevent them from causing trouble abroad during high-profile events.
- Impose curfews and other location-based restrictions.
Breaching any of the order's conditions would be a criminal offence, potentially resulting in immediate imprisonment.
A Government Priority: Protecting the Public
The move is being championed by the Home Office as a vital tool for public protection. A government source stated the orders are designed to give police and the courts the necessary powers to stop those with a history of violence from spoiling events for the law-abiding majority.
This initiative is seen as a direct extension of the principle behind football banning orders, which have been credited with significantly reducing violence and disorder in the sport. By applying a similar logic to the night-time economy and the entertainment industry, ministers believe they can create safer spaces for everyone.
The proposal is expected to be part of a wider package of measures announced in the upcoming King's Speech, signalling the government's commitment to a robust criminal justice agenda.
