A campaign to stamp out anti-social behaviour in the Temple Bar area of Dublin began today.
Organised by local business group Traders in the Area Supporting the Cultural Quarter (TASCQ), the "Play Nice" campaign is supported by the gardaí, Dublin Bus, Dublin City Council and Karcher Ireland.
Part of the public awarness campaign in Temple Bar
It aims to improve conditions for people who live, work or socialise in Temple Bar and comprises two main elements - a publican's charter and a public awareness campaign.
The charter sets out an agreed common code of practice for pubs and hotels on issues such as staff training and regular communication with the gardaí.
A number of messages have been created aimed at encouraging people to keep noise levels down and the area litter-free as well as highlighting the extensive CCTV network in Temple Bar.
The messages will be displayed on flyers and posters throughout the area as well as on t-shirts worn by bar and hotel staff.
Asst Gda Commissioner Al McHugh said noise, nuisance and disorder could not be allowed to become the norm.
He stressed bar staff could have a huge effect in combatting anti-social behaviour by fulfilling their social and legal responsibilities not to sell drink to those who clearly had enough.
Mr Martin Harte, general manager of TASCQ, said: "Play Nice is a proactive measure which demonstrates that Temple Bar is again leading the way in managing the night time economy. . . . We hope other areas of the city follow suit."