Summer Sun No Excuse For Drunken Disorder

Date published: 08/05/2006

Disorderly louts and reckless licensees will be targeted as part of continuing police activity through a fourth Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (AMEC) launched today by the Government and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) to tackle alcohol related disorder.

The campaign will clearly set out what police and the public see as acceptable drinking behaviour over the summer months, with forces combating drunken disorder. Trading standards and licensing officers will again be involved, taking action against shops, stores, pubs and clubs selling alcohol to under 18s, as well as bars and clubs that actively promote excessive drinking.

Home Office Minister Liam Byrne announced today that all police forces in England and Wales have signed up to the AMEC, which will reinforce on-going specialist operations, including:

• using tough new powers in the Licensing Act 2003 to close premises acting irresponsibly;
• issuing fixed penalty notices for alcohol related disorder;
• test purchasing activity to target underage sales;
• early intervention using CCTV to diffuse potential disorder; and
• joined up enforcement action against problem retailers and premises.

The campaign, which starts today and runs until 8 June complements a range of initiatives introduced by the Government to tackle problem drinking.
Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell said:

"This campaign is the next chapter in our drive to crack down on alcohol-fuelled crime and disorder.

"Thanks to the new licensing laws, the police now have tougher powers than ever before to deal with the minority of drunken revellers and rogue licensees that act irresponsibly. I expect to see them continuing to use these powers in this latest crackdown.

"And in turn they will ensure a better night out for the vast majority of adults that want to enjoy the extended choice offered by the new laws."
Liam Byrne said:

"I believe that everyone should be able to enjoy the long warm evenings of the summer months without the fear of violence or intimidation. We have made it clear that we will not tolerate the minority of disorderly louts that cause havoc in our towns and cities, or the negligent retailers who add to the problem by selling alcohol to minors and people who are already drunk.

"The Government has put in place a range of tough powers to deal with alcohol-related disorder. I am very pleased to be launching this further campaign which will reinforce the message that people acting irresponsibly will not escape the force of the law, now or in the future."

Assistant Chief Constable Ian Seabridge, Greater Manchester Police,
said: "During the World Cup we expect many people to be visiting pubs, bars and shops across Greater Manchester to support their country, purchase alcohol and to enjoy football matches.

"The 'Think Safe Drink Safe' campaign is all about setting high standards before the event begins, to ensure that licensees and retailers are creating safe environments for their customers and are operating in a responsible manner.

"The vast majority of venues in Greater Manchester are lawful and well managed, but we will be working with our partners to actively target those that flout the law and fuel alcohol-related crime.

"In the same way, action will be taken against the minority of people who try to cause trouble in local town and city centres after consuming too much alcohol. We will not tolerate such behaviour and will do everything in our powers to ensure that law abiding citizens can enjoy a safe night out without fear of falling victim to crime."