From the Dover Express, 1 December 2005.

A three strikes system is on cards.

POLICE in Dover are clamping down on drunken yobs in the wake of the new drinking laws.

The Dover Antisocial Behaviour Unit is starting a Three Strikes system, by which unruly drinkers could find themselves issued with an antisocial behaviour order after three offences within a year.

After being charged with a first alcohol-related offence, offenders will be given a yellow card, which contains details of agencies that can help address drinking problems.

After a second, they will get a red card - banning them for six months from all premises in the scheme.

A third offence in the space of a year will result in an application to the courts for an two-year Asbo, which is likely to include a ban from all licensed premises.

Dover is the first area in Kent to adopt the Three Strikes scheme, which was launched by Avon and Somerset Police in November 2004.

Det Insp Rob Vinson said the scheme was designed to make the district a safer place after dark.

He said: "It serves as a strong warning to the minority who commit alcohol-fuelled crimes, that antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated and will be dealt with robustly."

The Three Strikes scheme is being supported by the town council, Crown Prosecution Service, Kent Council for Addiction and Shepherd Neame.