The Court of Appeal could be asked to rule on the legality of Pubwatch bans, after a High Court judge held that such bans were legal.

As we have previously reported, a ban by Buckingham Pubwatch to prevent Matthew Proud from entering any of its’ members’ pubs was upheld earlier this year. Mr Proud’s argument that the ban infringed his human rights was thrown out by deputy High Court judge Mr Ockleton QC.

Pubwatches are an integral part of many communities' crime and disorder reduction partnership, and are based on the familiar Neighbourhood Watch principles. Many watches also contain banning systems where individuals who cause trouble within alcohol-licensed premises that are part of the scheme can be banned from all member premises.

At this stage, it is not certain when permission for appeal would be granted by a single judge of the appellate court.