Police issue warning to drinkers at Appleby Horse Fair

Pubs in Appleby and Brampton have joined forces with Cumbria Police to combat anti-social behaviour at this year’s Appleby Horse Fair. More than 7,000 red ‘Respect’ beer mats have been distributed to the pubs reminding drinkers to control their ‘beerhaviour’ during the fair.

Assistant Chief Constable Graham Sunderland said, ‘Appleby Horse Fair attracts thousands of visitors to the area each year. Everybody wants to enjoy the weekend and through embedding the message of Respect we aim to ensure that they do so safely. I am pleased so many of the licensed premises in the local area have been able to support us in this. Nobody wants the event ruined by drunken anti-social behaviour. I want to reassure both the local community and visitors that drunken anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated and police will take action against anyone who refuses to take responsibility for themselves. The message is that if you participate in anti-social behaviour at the Appleby Fair you will be dealt with swiftly and robustly.’

More than 30,000 people are expected to attend the event, which runs from June 5 – 12 2008.