Soho bars' concern over 'yob' police

London's West End nightspots have voiced concerns over plans to force them to hire police officers to curb "yobbish" behaviour in the capital.

Home Secretary David Blunkett plans to make venues pay for additional police officers to patrol areas during busy hours.

The plans, outlined in a police reform White Paper to be published this week, aim to ease the pressure on forces struggling to deal with problems created by bars and clubs which own late licences. Despite 100 bars in the West End opening until 4am attracting up to 125,000 revellers, no more than 13 officers patrol the area.

David Bieda, spokesman for the Soho Society which represents businesses in the area, said: "It will be difficult because bar owners will have to admit that their clients are part of the problem if they agree to hire an officer."

Joanna Duncan, manager of Manto bar in Old Compton Street, added: "This would be a bit like having to pay protection money. But we would want to decide for ourselves if we were going to do it or not."

However, other owners said they would be prepared to pay if it helped.

Ken Todd, owner of five bars including Bar Soho, said: "I do not think the onus should be put on the bar owners. But having said that, I would be prepared to pay if it meant more police officers."