Offenders causing alcohol-related trouble in Whitehaven pubs could face bans spanning two Christmases.

Revellers committing offences such as assault, abusive behaviour, disorder, and drug crime could be banned from the town's pubs for at least 13 months under a campaign by Pubwatch members.

The new campaign is a response to changing drinking habits and aims to curb alcohol-fuelled trouble during the festive period.

Previously, bans ranged from one month to one year, with two-year, five-year, or lifetime bans for severe offences.

The new campaign aims to deter inappropriate behaviour and encourage customers to respect the licensee's decision to stop serving them if they've had enough.

Sergeant David Macdonald of the Copeland Neighbourhood Policing Team said: "From a policing point of view, licensing standards in Copeland are high and this campaign highlights the stance the trade are taking.

"Its aim is to remind individuals there are legal requirements the licensing trade must comply with but ultimately people have to take responsibility for their own consumption of alcohol and behaviour.

"Christmas is meant to be a time of celebration with friends and family but unfortunately there are always a small number of people who just take it too far.

"I am pleased to see Pubwatch partners imposing robust but appropriate bans, meaning that anyone causing trouble will be put on a ban for at least the next 13 months.

"If you do cause trouble, you will face robust consequences.

"Know your limits, have a good time, get home safe and don’t ruin your Christmas by having to sit it out."

More than 20 premises in the area have voluntarily joined the Pubwatch scheme, regularly meeting to discuss incidents in their areas.

Jason Fisher, chairman of Whitehaven Pubwatch, said: "A move such as this deals appropriately with individuals who commit trouble in pubs.

"Licensees and owners are working tirelessly to ensure that their pubs are safe, and the general public are able to enjoy their evenings out during the Christmas season.

"Thankfully these are isolated incidents and it is safe to go out and have fun, but the message is clear – there will be a zero tolerance with regards drugs misuse, disorderly and threatening behaviour.

"These bans will have a real consequence for those who choose to behave inappropriately.

"It means those causing trouble face a ban that impacts on their social life both this Christmas and next."

The new campaign coincides with increased police patrols in December as part of Operation Enhance, focusing on reducing anti-social behaviour and serious violence in hotspots like Whitehaven.

The patrols follow funding by Cumbria’s Police, Fire and Crime Commissioner through the Government’s Hotspot Response Fund.