Police binge drinking crackdown

Police in South Warwickshire have vowed to stay on the offensive in a bid to crack down on binge drinking and alcohol fuelled violence.

A six week Home Office campaign to tackle binge drinking, under age drinking and the crime and disorder problems linked with excessive alcohol ended on August 31.

But police in South Warwickshire will be maintaining high visibility patrols at weekend town centre trouble spots in Leamington and Stratford and developing partnerships aimed at finding long term solutions to the binge drinking culture.

Area Commander Chief Superintendent David Whitehouse signed up to the government's summer long national Alcohol Misuse Enforcement campaign. He said the campaign had been successful in terms of reducing incidents of violence and disorder and also in harnessing support for police initiatives from partners in the drinks industry.

"This was not a one off summer crackdown but part of a long term policing priority," stressed Chief Supt Whitehouse.

"We will continue with high visibility patrols and random licensing checks at bars we suspect are being used by underage drinkers. Fixed penalty notices will be issued for drunk and disorderly behaviour and alcohol will be confiscated from children."

He added: "I am particularly pleased with the support shown by licensees and managers of pubs, clubs and bars who are all keen to work with us. We now have to look at ways we can change drinking habits permanently."

During the six week campaign 315 licensed pubs, bars and clubs were visited in Leamington and Stratford. Alcohol was confiscated from 47 youths and a further 21 people had drink confiscated in designated alcohol free zones. Fixed Penalty notices were handed out to 45 people for drunkeness, disorder or harassment.

In July fewer incidents of violence and disorder were recorded in South Warwickshire towns. August figures have not yet been collated but Chief Inspector Chris Jackson,Warwick district commander and Stratford district commander Chief Inspector Andy Johnson plan to maintain their policy of using extra resources in Leamington and Stratford on Friday and Saturday nights.