Under-age drinkers scheme success

Published on 14th September 2006 in News

Underage drinking problems in the Snaith in recent months have been reduced dramatically, it was announced this week.

A East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) report, which is set to be discussed by the Safer and Stronger Communities Overview and Scrutiny Committee today explains how local underage drinking problems have reduced since a SARA (Scanning, Analysis, Response and Assessment) package was introduced.

The package enables partner organisations to work with the police to implement solutions, resulting in more police patrols in the Snaith area that specifically target any youths causing trouble.

Warning letters have also been sent to a number of families in the area with regard to anti-social behaviour, and a test-purchasing operation has been organised throughout the town.

However, at Monday's meeting of Snaith and Cowick Town Council East Riding councillor Terry Allison said that some of the problems had now moved out to Gowdall, and there had been reports of similar problems in Rawcliffe.

Town Mayor Greta Laughton agreed: "If you move the problem out of one area, you move it into another."

Cllr Allison added: "According to police, the number of anti-social-behaviour calls relating to Snaith has reduced dramatically.

"It will be impossible to eliminate problems altogether, but at least the action plan has been put in place and police say it has been successful."

Consideration is also being given to restricting access to areas currently used by youths for drinking alcohol. Schools in the area are to be contacted with a view to improving the use of existing CCTV equipment to identify anyone drinking alcohol and causing problems on land owned by the Local Education Authority.

A spokesperson for the ERYC said: "The consequences of underage drinking are very serious and can include criminal damage, anti-social behaviour and adverse effects on health, as well as contributing to increased teenage pregnancies."