Shops are to be encouraged to sell alcohol responsibly as part of a new scheme to tackle problems of street drinking in Spalding.
The Safer Spalding campaign is a joint initiative aimed at reducing the harmful impact of anti-social behaviour linked to street drinking by sharing good practice with those who sell alcohol.
Businesses will be provided assistance on how to trade responsibly including having pride in the local community, age restricted products and to promote partnership working as part of the voluntary scheme that they are supporting.
Retailers will be supported by police, licensing officers and Trading Standards who will help ensure that their business is not adversely affected.
The scheme, which is voluntary within Spalding town centre, will encourage retailers not to sell super strength alcohol and single cans of alcohol – both tactics which have already proved highly effective at tackling the problems in other parts of the UK.
Community Policing Inspector Jim Tyner said: “In a similar project elsewhere, this initiative showed there was 50 per cent less anti social behaviour, 40 per cent less street drinking and 25 per cent less shoplifting linked to the off licence that had taken part, with no damage to alcohol sales.”
Stuart Brotherton, Business Watch coordinator, said: “Safer Spalding has the full support of the Chamber of Trade as it will contribute to a more pleasant shopping environment and safer place for those that work in the town centre.”
Alcohol is a serious public health concern and excessive drinking is linked to social impacts such as domestic violence, homelessness, teenage pregnancy and anti-social behaviour.
Alcohol-related issues cost the NHS in Lincolnshire an estimated £41 million in 2010/11.
The scheme is supported by a number of agencies including South Holland District Council, Lincolnshire Police, Lincolnshire Trading Standards, Lincolnshire Chambers of Commerce and businesses are already supporting the voluntary scheme in the town centre.
Coun Malcolm Chandler, South Holland District Council portfolio holder for regulatory services, said: “This initiative is aimed at reducing the impact of street drinking by working supportively with licensed retailers and providing a framework to encourage understanding of the role of alcohol retailers in tackling the issues of street drinking and alcohol associated anti social behaviour.
“In partnership with the police and other agencies, we want to ensure residents feel safe and comfortable in Spalding.”
Inspector Tyner added: “Street drinking continues to be a significant issue for many people.
“This scheme will support the work of my officers by reducing the amount of super-strength beers that are easily available.
“The single-can policy will mean that street-drinkers will be taking more of a financial hit when we seize alcohol from them.
“This will have an impact on their ability to buy more alcohol.”
