TOUGH new reforms to combat unsociable behaviour in Skipton's pubs have been launched by the Skipton Licensees Association.

Amongst the new measures is a crackdown on known trouble-makers, who can be banned from any public house in the town.

The length of the ban will depend upon the seriousness of the offence but the association has warned that offenders could be excluded for life.

Offenders will be given an opportunity to address a special committee meeting every month to plead their case and appeal against any ban imposed upon them.

Those who co-operate with the committee in this way may receive more lenient sentences.

A spokesman for the association, which was launched last week, revealed that even tougher penalties awaited any person being violent or abusive to any licensee or members of staff.

He said there had been a number of incidents involving staff being threatened or attacked outside their place of work as a direct result of confronting troublemakers whilst on duty.

He added: "These measures are long overdue and will herald the end of the law of the jungle mentality that currently prevails among a small minority of idiots in the town.

"Our message is simple and very clear - 'if you cause trouble in any pub in Skipton be prepared for serious consequences'."

The spokesman said that Skipton was like a Jekyll and Hyde town - a beautiful tourist town during the day but full of fighting and problems during the evening.

He said the licensees had got together and decided they must do something to protect their staff and genuine drinkers who just wanted to have a good time.

Anyone who is banned will be sent a letter asking them to attend a hearing in front of a five-person committee of licensees.

They will be given the chance to have their say before the sentence is decided.

If a ban is given, photos and all details of the offender will be sent to each pub in town. A person can also be banned if they are caught fighting in the street or a takeaway shop having left a pub.

The Skipton Licensees Association has received full support from North Yorkshire Police.

Skipton Inspector Tad Nowakowski said he was pleased the police and the licensees could work together to stamp out anti-social behaviour in the town's pubs.

He added that drinkers should heed the warning that if they caused trouble in one pub, they would be banned from them all and have nowhere left to socialise.

The scheme will be complemented by the police's Operation Igloo which involves officers visiting pubs regularly over the Christmas and New Year period to keep trouble to a minimum.