DRUNKEN louts face being barred for a year from every pub in Swanage if they do not keep themselves under control.

Fed-up landlords have introduced the new Pubwatch scheme to tackle the growing problem of violence and abuse among young drinkers.

Every single drinking establishment in Swanage has signed up to the scheme, so that a ban from one pub means a ban from all of them.

The move has not proved popular with certain elements in Swanage.

One person close to the scheme has already been attacked for their involvement.

A Pubwatch spokesman said: "There has been some abuse as a result of this scheme being introduced but that just makes us all the more determined.

"A lot of youngsters have been causing trouble, and a few older ones as well.

"They can be lovely people when they're sober, but get a few drinks in them and they turn into animals.

"We're not standing for it any longer."

Trouble-makers will be given a warning for their first offence, but then face a total ban.

All bans will be voted on by the licensees involved in the scheme, who will then review the case a year later.

"It's about giving a hand to the police who are over-stretched out here.

"We are sending the message that bad behaviour is not acceptable.

"We don't want to ban anyone, but that will happen if people don't behave themselves."

Pubs in Langton Matravers, Corfe Castle and Kingston have also signed up to the scheme.