Horse Hotel, chairman of the Bromyard Publicans' Association, said he hoped the threat of a blanket ban would not have to be acted on very often, but would be a deterrent.

He said: "We are hoping to encourage people to bring their wives and even their kids into pubs without fear."

The association holds quarterly meetings where problems are discussed, and emergency meetings can also be called, if necessary.

People who are judged to be causing problems are sent a letter, which is delivered by hand by one of the Bromyard beat managers.

Mr Topham said: "So far it does work. Not half!"

He said of those who might choose to defy the ban: "If we can't get them out ourselves, the police will evict them."

The association is currently drawing up posters warning of the blanket ban, and these will be appearing in the Bromyard area over the next few weeks.