YOBS could be banned from all bars in Weymouth town centre.

Licensees have signed up to Pub Watch, a new group that aims to crack down on crime in pubs and clubs via a radio link.

Individual licensees can ban anyone at their own discretion, but Pub Watch members may also request a blanket ban on known troublemakers in all of their 52 premises.

Members have agreed to assist Dorset Police in prosecuting more offenders by giving statements and providing evidence.

And in extreme cases they can apply to the courts for exclusion orders to be served.

A rogues' gallery of CCTV images will be circulated to bar staff so convicted offenders can be recognised, and inform other premises over the radio. However, the photographs will not be displayed in front of customers.

Pub Watch licensees will be banning people for offences such as violence, making threats, acts of vandalism and disorder, the sale of stolen property and drug use and supply.

The duration of bans can range from life for violent or drug-related crimes, to two years for theft or vandalism and one year for lesser misdemeanours.

Offenders can appeal against a ban, but further offences will mean an automatic ban for life.

At a Pub Watch meeting held in The Old Rectory pub in Weymouth, licensing inspector Mike Hale of Dorset Police said: "We will all be singing from the same hymn sheet, which we hope means we can take more cases to court."

Pub Watch members hope to equip police officers and the CCTV control centre with radios to quickly alert them to potential trouble, but they are seeking sponsorship.

Licensee of the White Hart, Andrew McDonnell, has designed a set of posters which will be put up in Pub Watch premises.

He said after the meeting: "This is to get the message out that if you are going to cause trouble, it will not be tolerated in Weymouth."