The Hot Frog Bar: Zero Tolerance Policy

Document Version: 1.0
Effective Date: 11 July 2025

1.0 Introduction and Purpose

Wattisfield Community Centre and Recreation Ground Committee is committed to
providing a safe, welcoming, and enjoyable environment for all Patrons and Volunteers.

This policy outlines our procedures for barring individuals from our premises whose
conduct is unacceptable, disruptive, or compromises the safety and comfort of others.

The primary purpose of this policy is to uphold the four core licensing objectives as set out in the Licensing Act 2003:

  • The prevention of crime and disorder
  • Public safety
  • The prevention of public nuisance
  • The protection of children from harm

    We reserve the right, at the discretion of the Designated Premises Supervisor or their appointed representative, to refuse entry or remove any person from the premises at any time.

    This policy provides a clear framework for how that right will be exercised.

2.0 Scope of Policy

This Zero Tolerance policy is applicable to all areas of the licensed premises, which
includes, but is not limited to:

  • The Hot Frog Bar
  • The Hall
  • External Grounds – All outdoor areas under the control of Wattisfield Community Centre and Recreation Ground Committee, including the Recreation Ground Field, Community Garden, Play Areas, Car Park, and Entranceways.

3.0 Grounds for Barring

An individual may be barred from the premises for any conduct deemed to be in breach of our licensing objectives.

The following is a non-exhaustive list of behaviours that will result in a ban:

  • Violent or Aggressive Conduct: Any form of physical violence, threats of violence, or intimidation towards customers or Committee Member.
  • Disorderly Conduct: Drunkenness, shouting, aggressive or unruly behaviour, or any action that causes a disturbance.
  • Harassment or Discrimination: Any form of harassment, abuse, or discrimination on the grounds of age, disability, gender reassignment, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation.
  • Illegal Drug Activity: The use, possession, or distribution of illegal substances on the premises.
  • Damage to Property: Wilful or reckless damage to the premises, fixtures, fittings, or property belonging to the venue or other patrons.
  • Theft: Any act of theft from the venue or other patrons.
  • Failure to Comply: Refusal to comply with reasonable instructions from Committee Member, including requests for age verification (Challenge 25), security or requests to leave the premises.
  • Bringing Alcohol onto the Premises without prior consent: Consuming alcohol on the premises that was not purchased from The Hot Frog Bar.
  • Undermining Public Safety: Any action that creates a fire risk, blocks emergency exits, or otherwise endangers the safety of people on the premises.

4.0 The Barring Process

  • Immediate Action: In the event of an incident, Committee Member will assess the situation. If the behaviour warrants it, the individual will be refused further service and asked to leave the premises immediately and peacefully.
  • Issuing the Ban: The Committee Member will inform the individual that they are now barred from the premises. They will be provided with a brief, clear reason for the ban and informed of its initial duration.
  • Documentation: An incident report will be completed by Committee Member detailing the date, time, individuals involved, a factual account of the behaviour, any witnesses, and the action taken. This record is vital for internal review and potential police communication.
  • Removal: If the individual refuses to leave, the police will be called to assist.

5.0 Duration of Bans

The length of a ban will reflect the severity of the incident.

  • Short-Term Ban (24 hours to 3 months): Applied for less serious offences, such as disorderly conduct or refusal to follow Committee Member instruction.
  • Indefinite Ban (Minimum 12 months): Applied for more serious incidents, such as minor acts of violence, property damage, or repeated minor offences. This ban will be subject to review after the minimum period has elapsed.
  • Lifetime Ban: Applied for the most severe offences, including serious violence, drug related activity, assault on Committee Member, or theft.

6.0 Communication and Data Sharing

  • Formal Notification: Where practical and appropriate, a formal written notification of the ban, its duration, and the appeals process will be sent to the barred individual.
  • In accordance with data protection legislation, information regarding individuals barred for violent, criminal, or seriously anti-social behaviour may be shared with other licensed premises and local police to promote safety across the community. All data is handled in compliance with GDPR.

7.0 Appeals Process

Any individual who wishes to appeal their ban may do so via the following procedure. Appeals will not be considered for bans of less than one month.

Appeal:
The appeal must be made in writing (email or letter) and addressed to the Secretary of Wattisfield Community Centre and Recreation Ground Committee.

The appeal should clearly state the grounds on which it is being made.

Wattisfield Community Centre and Recreation Ground Committee will review the incident report and the appellant’s submission and provide a written response within 21 working days.

Wattisfield Community Centre and Recreation Ground Committee decision is final.

During the appeals process, the ban remains in full effect.

8.0 Policy Review

This Barring Policy will be reviewed annually by Wattisfield Community Centre and Recreation Ground Committee to ensure it remains effective, fair, and compliant with current legislation.