Winchester PubWatch is seeking to help those banned from its member premises.

It has teamed up with Phoenix Futures alcohol service to offer counselling to offenders.

Under the Pubwatch scheme people who behave badly in any member pub can be barred from the 30-plus others in the city centre.

But people who agree to two sessions of counselling by the Hampshire Brief Intervention Alcohol Service can see their six-month ban halved.

They can also attend an additional two voluntary sessions.

The service is solely aimed at non-dependent drinkers whose alcohol use has become harmful to their health.

There are currently four people on a PubWatch ban with a further three being processed. A year ago there were 13 people banned.

Keith Wilson, of Winchester BID, which co-ordinates the PubWatch scheme, said: “Winchester Pubwatch members will not tolerate drunken and unruly behaviour. In the past our approach has been to punish such individuals with a lengthy ban from all venues.

“This new initiative enables PubWatch to proactively address the root of the problem affecting a number of individuals we choose to ban. This is yet another unique, best practice project by Winchester PubWatch and proves that the partnership is never content to rest on its laurels when it comes to reducing alcohol-related crime and disorder.”

Richard Levell, manager for the Hampshire Brief Intervention Service, said: “It is very encouraging to see that the Pubwatch scheme is working in partnership with an agency such as Phoenix Futures as it reflects a constructive and long-lasting approach to problem drinking. This partnership will ultimately benefit the individuals and establishments involved, as well as the community as a whole.”