THERE will be an extra eye on the lookout for troublemakers at a Weymouth bar this winter as door staff don a CCTV equipped jacket.

The hi-tec camera is mounted in a special high-visibility jacket that will be worn by bouncers at pubs and clubs around Weymouth.

The camera will record live images and sound that can be passed on to the police and could be used to help convict abusive or violent customers.

Dorothy Inn landlord Steve Parker said he hopes the camera will help maintain the image of his premises and show his commitment to stamping out late night violence in the town.

Mr Parker said: “An element of every town is that there are going to be troublemakers.

“Even though they are often turned away, a lot of them can still cause trouble at the door which can bring a black mark against the name of the establishment.

“That’s the reason why we’ve got this CCTV jacket.

“My aim is that all doors that have got my staff on them will eventually have at least one member of staff in one of these jackets.

“It records sound and real time television images.

“It’s there to help protect my premise’s licence and door staff themselves.

“Most venues have got good quality CCTV sets on site but often it only shows part of what happens because it’s on an automatic rotation.

“It also doesn’t record the threats made to staff, landlords or licensees.”

He added: “I’ve had 25 years’ experience working the doors and this new jacket will be a help.

“It will have instant playback for the police and will show them the particular person or group of people who have had to be turned away.

“The jacket can also record staff telling people if they’ve had too much to drink and why it is that they have to leave.

“This is designed to stop drunkenness and trouble makers and has been shown to work in other areas of the country where it’s been used.

“It’s there to protect staff but the main reason to have it is for the protection of the premise’s licence.”

The jacket cost Mr Parker £700, who bought it from an online company, and it is clearly marked as a CCTV camera jacket.

He added: “I’ve spoken to the police about this innovation and they’re very happy about it.

“Dave Hughes, the town centre sergeant is happy, as is Inspector Pete Meteau.”

Mr Parker also said staff working at other licensed premises in the town are also wearing the jackets, including The Lazy Lizard, The Nook, the Surfside Diner, the Golden Lion, McDonalds, Taste, Dusk and Finns.