Off-licences help to fight crime
29 October, 2007
Working with the Police and Trading Standards, Off Licence Watch will tackle a number of issues that licensees face, including underage drinking and theft from shop.
Eight licensees in Stapleford and twelve in Eastwood have joined together to form two separate Off Licence Watches in both areas.
Regular Meetings
The groups will have regular meetings to discuss initiatives and projects, as well as looking at banning people causing members of staff and licensees problems and over-eighteens who buy alcohol for underage drinkers.
Police licensing officer Paul Horton said: “While Pubwatches have been going for a while, this scheme is the first for off licences in South Nottinghamshire, maybe the county.
”Strengthening the links”
“These groups will be vital in strengthening the links between the police, trading standards and the local community to tackle alcohol related anti-social behaviour issues such as underage drinking in our town centres.
“The Off Licence Watches will work closely in partnership with the two successful Pubwatch schemes that already operate in Stapleford and Eastwood.
”An ideal forum”
“These groups also provide an ideal forum to share and learn new things. Guest speakers will be invited to give crime prevention advice and information on a range of topics including robbery prevention.”
Eastwood PCSO 8905 Teresa Billington added: “The aim of the scheme is for the police and off-licences to work together as a team to reduce alcohol caused anti-social behaviour and crime.
“The scheme will tackle the sense of isolation sometimes felt by off-licences and encourage them to share their concerns and pass information to each other.”
Members of Stapleford Off Licence Watch:
• Ali’s Convenience Store, Derby Road
• Archer Road News, Archer Road
• Bargain Booze, Derby Road
• Booze Busters, Pasture Road
• Co-op, Derby Road
• Dip News, Hicklings Lane
• Sainsbury’s stores on Central Avenue and Derby Road
By The Editor.
