THE chairman of Colchester’s licensing committee is demanding a zero tolerance approach to dealing with problems at bar and pubs following a spate of incidents in the town centre.

Dave Harris (Lab, Berechurch) is pushing for tougher action against any bars where customers are not adhering to social distancing guidelines or where trouble spills outside on to the town’s streets.

Over the weekend huge huddled crowds were spotted outside Wetherspoons’ pub The Playhouse, in St John’s Street, waiting to enter the premises.

Read more >>> Pictures show huge crowds packed outside Playhouse in Colchester

The pub’s owners said it had systems in place to deal with crowds, including banning those who don’t abide by the rules from entering, but the bar had been extremely busy since reopening.

Police were also called to a mass brawl involving at least 12 people in Queen Street on Saturday night.

Read more >>> WATCH: Mass brawl in Colchester town centre

Mr Harris said he had heard reports of incidents involving several other town centre venues since lockdown restrictions were lifted.

He said: “I am asking officers to address the situation now and be stricter as this is the only way we are going to make a difference.

“The owners of any establishments where there are problems need to take responsibility.

“It has to be about more than money and they have a responsibility to keep people safe.

“We need to step down heavily on these kind of things, which should not be happening in our town.

“As licensing chair it is up to me to encourage some action so that is what I am doing.

“If we can get the message out there about the consequences then businesses will be aware of the implications if they don’t take action to address issues.”

Mr Harris said the majority of pubs and bars in the town centre had seen a safe and successful start to reopening.

He said these successful examples should be used to guide other places in the town centre where there may have been issues.

“Lots of licensed premises are adhering to rules, but we need quick and effective strong action to those who transgress,” Mr Harris said.

“We need a zero tolerance attitude now and I am hoping enforcement can be quick in taking action.”