BRIGHTON’S bars and clubs are a huge boost to the town and have helped build its reputation as a place to party.
But that rests hugely on responsible club owners, doormen and staff who have proper regard for their customers’ safety.
Police are calling for a town centre bar to have its licence suspended after being called there more than 20 times since last June.
A young woman raped after leaving and a man slamming his girlfriend’s head into a table are among the crimes linked to Oxygen bar in West Street.
The bar’s alleged failure to act responsibly is not only a huge drain on police resources but also puts customers at risk and drags down the reputation of the city.
Clearly party-goers have to take responsibility for safety, yet bars must also do their bit to manage the volatile effects of huge amounts of alcohol.
Most do, of course, and a huge amount of work is done by security staff and barmen to keep people safe.
Many go above and beyond what you would expect – checking who women are leaving with and helping them stay in touch with friends, for example.
For any others, we would hope the action taken by Sussex Police is a warning.
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