Pub Bans Proposed Instead of Prison for Some Criminals in England

The government may ban criminals from certain places, including pubs, sports grounds, and social events. This could help ease prison overcrowding. Sarah Sackman said bans are “very much part of the mix,” and offenders may also have to do mandatory work.

David Gauke chairs a review looking at prison sentences that started last October. The review seeks ways to punish offenders outside prisons. Overcrowding is a serious problem, and they are considering ideas from other countries like Texas, including home detention and sobriety tags.

Ministers are considering ideas from the Bar Council to prevent offenders attending social events. The Leveson review runs in conjunction with David Gauke’s review, reducing reoffending. Mandatory work is also part of the picture. Gauke’s review will consider all options.

There were over 87,000 prisoners in England and Wales last month, the highest since the emergency release scheme. The government wants 14,000 more cell spaces by 2031. They also want to cut reoffending, and deporting foreign criminals is happening faster, too.

Courts face a backlog of over 73,000 cases which worsens trauma for victims, and many feel unable to achieve justice. A committee raised concerns about the backlog, stating ministers accepted the problem. They will wait for the Leveson Review for changes.

Sir Brian Leveson leads a major review that will report on court reforms in spring. Sackman criticized the committee, claiming the previous government did not do enough. Mahmood said judges will sit 110,000 days next year, which will speed up justice for victims.