Kent Police is joining the latest nationwide campaign to tackle alcohol-related crime and disorder in the run-up to the World Cup.
The Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign, which is running from 8 May to 8 June 2006, has been organised by the Home Office. It will target those who sell alcohol to under-18s, bars and clubs that promote irresponsible and rowdy behaviour and drunken people who cause violent disorder.
It follows the success of a previous campaign at the end of 2005, which had a positive impact on violent crime nationally and in Kent.
Kent Police is taking part in the scheme again to ensure the county enjoys a safe start to the summer and that people are able to enjoy the warmer evenings without having their fun spoilt by a small number of irresponsible individuals.
The aims of the latest campaign are:
- to set the tone of acceptable behaviour before the start of the World Cup,
- to maintain pressure on licensees to manage their premises responsibly,
- test purchasing activity to target under-age sales.
Additional uniformed police officers will be patrolling in town centres during the campaign and Kent Police will carry out a number of initiatives to highlight potential dangers of alcohol misuse. Each of the six policing areas will be taking part.
This is the fourth time the scheme has been run. It is designed to complement other Home Office-led campaigns, including a weapons and knives amnesty from 24 May to 30 June and the Association of Chief Police Officers’ summer drink and drug driving campaign from 5 June to 5 July.
Assistant Chief Constable Dave Ainsworth said: ‘We want people in Kent to be able to socialise safely, which is why we will be acting to deal with the small minority of people who cause trouble, whether through drinking irresponsibly or by encouraging under-age and excessive drinking.’ |
