Denmark prepares to pass law banning violent offenders from pubs

The Danish parliament on Thursday passed a bill to ban violent offenders from pubs, bars, restaurants and other establishments serving alcohol at night.

The ban would apply to establishments where alcohol is served between midnight and 5 am.

A ban could last up to two years but would depend on the crime involved.

Under the legislation, the police could also define certain streets as areas where people go out, that would then be off limits for violent offenders.

Anyone who contravenes the ban could be fined up to 10,000 kroner (1,631 dollars).

"Before the pandemic shut down nightlife, we saw several horrific incidents where innocent young people were brutally assaulted," Justice Minister Nick Haekkerup said in a statement.

"That's why we're putting a chair in front of the door to block access to nightlife for offenders."

The law goes into effect on 1 July.