Community Safety Unit
01795 417388
liztully@swale.gov.uk
Last updated on 7 September 2010
Promoting a safer and stronger community
27th July 2010
Joint Working Continues to Tackle Under-Age Drinkers
Swale Borough Council and Police are continuing to work together to target and reduce under-age drinking across Swale.
The Community Safety Partnership’s dedicated ‘ASB vehicle’, staffed by Street Wardens and PCSO’s, regularly patrols areas across the borough, as a direct response to anti-social behaviour reports or historical and seasonal trends.
This joint-initiative is proving to be very successful, tackling under-age drinking as well as the inevitable nuisance and anti-social behaviour that is associated with it.
After local reports of rowdy youths around the Minster Cliffs area, the PCSO and Street Warden visited the area as part of their patrol on Friday night (16/07/10) and confiscated several litres of beer and lager from a number of groups of under 18’s.
Geraldine Chidley, Principal Street Warden for Swale Borough Council said: “Children who drink are 5 times more likely to have alcohol abuse problems later in life. That is why we within the Community Safety Partnership see it as such a priority and utilise every opportunity to crack down on any youngsters found to be consuming alcohol here in Swale.”
“By working together, and utilising this dedicated vehicle, the Street Wardens and PCSO’s form a highly visible, anti-social behaviour deterrent; and effective crime reduction presence.”
Geoff Rowley, Licensing Officer for Kent Police concluded: “The police and council licensing teams work together to ensure that all our licensed retailers are trading lawfully and responsibly.”
“We also work closely with our retailers to encourage them to always ask for ID when selling to anyone who looks under 21; and remain vigilant to the possibility of proxy sales.”
This latest seizure comes as the Partnership simultaneously steps up its efforts to reduce proxy and under-age sales through its SAFE campaign. For more information visit www.swalecsp.co.uk.