Licensees in Bolton, Greater Manchester, are calling for tougher action against thugs who attack pub and door staff.

This call came after a man who punched local licensee Michelle Parkinson, leaving her unconscious, was let off with a caution.

Bolton licensees want the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) to change the rules that let the police issue cautions for first violent offences.

Enterprise Inns lessee John Jewitt said: "What we want to see is recognition of the work we do and to be given some protection. Even if it's only to say if someone hits a licensee, member of staff or doorman they will get prosecuted.

"There used to be a situation where individuals believed that if they hit licensees, they would be in all sorts of trouble. That's not now the case."

National Association of Licensed House Managers president Dave Daly supported this view.

He said: "The CPS seems to be more lenient towards alcohol-related incidents, as if it's not the attacker's fault because they've got alcohol in them. This has been going on for years and it has got to stop.

"The court system has let the licensed trade down for years. We need some sort of protection."

Jewitt, of Ye Olde Man and Scythe pub, Bolton, said four of his teeth were knocked out by a yob in 2005. Because there was clear evidence of injury, his attacker was prosecuted and received 120 hours of community service.

However, the CPS said Parkinson, of Bolton's Blue Boar "had no visible injuries".

Jewitt advised licensees who are assaulted to ask for a doctor's note to prove injuries had occurred. This will make it easier to get prosecutions, he said.RESPONSE FROM THE CPS AND POLICE

CPS



[The attacker] was of previous good character, the victim had no visible injuries and he admitted the offending behaviour.

In this case, the CPS decided that a caution was appropriate.

POLICE



When considering issuing a caution, the factors taken into account include the gravity of the offence, the offender's

previous record and their admission of the offence.

In this case, the offender was of previous good character, admitted to the offence of common assault, and the victim had no visible injuries.

Cautions are kept on record and will influence the decision of whether to prosecute if the person re-offends. A caution will be referred to in court if the person is later found guilty of an offence and could be disclosed to a future employer.