Campaign launched to encourage High Peak licensees not to sell alcohol to drunks
A campaign is being launched to encourage High Peak pubs and clubs to sell alcohol responsibly and to avoid serving drunken people.
The ‘Intoxicated’ campaign was launched on Tuesday, October 23 to around 100 local licensees at a seminar at the Devonshire Dome in Buxton.
It is being brought in to target concerns about the level of alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour in the area.
The campaign, led by Derbyshire police and High Peak Borough Council, aims to raise awareness of the law around the sale of alcohol to people who have consumed too much and encourage responsible drinking.
Police licensing Sergeant Mark Wright said: “While we have seen reductions in both anti-social behaviour and violent crime in recent years we remain committed to reducing that further, especially ahead of Christmas and New Year period, a time when there is an even greater increase in people drinking in pubs and clubs.
“Drunken and anti-social behaviour can put increasing demands on police resources, and a heavier burden on local licensing authorities, health services and businesses as well as having a negative impact on the local community.”
In December 2010 there were 126 incidents of violent crime in the High Peak and Derbyshire Dales, almost a 7% reduction from the numbers recorded in December 2011 (135).
There were also 100 fewer incidents of anti-social behaviour in the area in December 2011 (total of 396 reports) compared to the December 2010 (total of 496 reports) showing a reduction of 20 per cent.
As part of the campaign licensees will be offered advice and encouraged to:
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Train staff on how to pick up on the early stages of intoxication.
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Offer soft drinks and free water to people who have had too much.
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Look out for customers while collecting glasses or clearing tables and advise them on their behaviour.
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Offer to call a taxi for customers to help them get home safely
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Make sure they have adequate staffing levels and working CCTV coverage of their bar or pub.
Drunkenness is defined as a state of being intoxicated by consumption of alcohol to a degree that mental and physical facilities are noticeably impaired. Common symptoms include slurred speech, impaired balance and uncharacteristic behaviour.
The penalty for serving alcohol to someone who is already drunk is an £80 on-the-spot fine and the premises licence could be reviewed.
Sgt. Wright added: “The majority of people drink in an entirely responsible way but unfortunately there are some who still drink alcohol to excess and it’s about encouraging licensees to adopt a common sense approach alcohol sales.
“Drinking too much alcohol can impair a person’s judgement and put them more at risk of becoming a victim of crime, committing a crime or becoming involved with anti-social behaviour. By encouraging licensees to make responsible decisions around the sale of alcohol we hope to reduce these risks.”
Bar staff are being given t-shirts and badges to help promote the campaign, and raise awareness of the issue with their customers.
The ‘Intoxicated? No Sale!’ posters can be downloaded from the attachment area on the right-hand-side of this page.