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CSP SAFE campaign

Youth Activities in Swale

It will now be even tougher for individuals to buy alcohol, for consumption by under 18’s.  In a coordinated approach through the Swale Community Safety Partnership, Kent Police and Swale Borough Council licensing officers will be systematically visiting the Borough's licensed retail premises, to offer advice on how to reduce the risk of falling victim to a proxy sale customer; and issuing posters to warn potential customers of the consequences of buying alcohol for underage drinkers.

 

To help launch this joint SAFE campaign, which aims to tackle underage drinking and its causes.  Coordinated policing, licensing and community work aims to prevent youngsters from buying the alcohol themselves; to discourage members of the community from purchasing alcohol on their behalf; and provides the retailers with the necessary tools to warn potential proxy customers of their commitment to drive out underage drinking.

 

While retailers can lose their premises licence, individuals caught buying alcohol for consumption by under 18’s could face a substantial fine and a criminal record.

 

Stephanie Mead, Community Safety Officer and campaign coordinator: “Children who drink under the age of 15 are 5 times more likely to have alcohol abuse problems later in life.  The SAFE campaign aims to coordinate the activities of the police and council licensing departments and street wardens and neighbourhood police officers to tackle the immediate problems of underage drinking and proxy sales, as well as the other issues that arise from it."

 

"Underage drinking can lead to anti-social behaviour issues of nuisance and noise, but also vandalism, graffiti, violence and even drug abuse.  Our aim is to not only reiterate the message to retailers, but also educate the community and the kids themselves, about the dangers of underage drinking and the consequences of buying alcohol on behalf of anyone under the legal drinking age.”

 

Through a wholistic approach, The Community Safety Partnership endeavours to address the root causes of the problems that are key to our communities - to help our residents, and their children, feel safe and be safe in Swale.

 

If you would like to request copies of the poster or need advice around underage or proxy sales, please contact the Community Safety Partnership on 01795 417193 or email csu@swale.gov.uk