Ringwood Pub Watch scheme has expanded into the New Forest after police found banned boozers were heading north to the Alice Lisle at Rockford.

PC Caroline Warren from the town’s Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “There had not been any particular problems in this pub but it was obvious that those who had been banned from other Ringwood pubs who were members of Pub Watch were making their way to the Alice Lisle.”

Currently 21 drinkers have been banned from town pubs involved in the scheme, designed to stamp out antisocial behaviour. Adding the Alice Lisle increases the number to 14.

Pub Watch involves police and the district council working with licensees to help them stamp out unacceptable behaviour.

PC Warren said: “It’s important pubs show a united front against anyone behaving in an antisocial or inappropriate manner in Ringwood pubs so that we can achieve a safer social drinking environment.”

A Hampshire Police spokesman admitted Pub Watch schemes can displace the problem, but eventually banned drinkers run out of places to go within easy reach and then begin to moderate their consumption.

“The intention is that the people who are banned mend their habits and drink more responsibly. If they can’t get to a local pub they will learn a lesson and not cause any problems,” he said.

Alice Lisle managers Kate and Anthony Lee did not wish to comment.