Pubs ban Burberry to cut violence

Two city centre pubs have banned drinkers wearing certain brands of clothes to try to curb alcohol-fuelled violence.

The Parody and Varsity, both in Leicester, have banned brands including Stone Island, Aquascutum, Henry Lloyd and Burberry.

They teamed up with police to compile a list of labels they believe are worn by groups of youths and football hooligans who regularly cause trouble.

Caroline Nodder, spokeswoman for Barracuda, the company which owns the pubs, was reported as saying: "This is not necessarily aimed at football violence. It is targeting a certain gang of young lads who have been causing concern. But if it works to exclude that football element, then so much the better.

"People have been very understanding so far. There was already a no-trainers policy. This is just taking it a step further."

Pc Karen Holdridge, from the city centre's violence and disorder team, said the policy was aimed at tackling a hard core of troublemakers. She said: "Well-known football hooligans have a particular dress code. These people are recognised as coming into the city centre day in, day out and causing trouble."