Christmas crackdown on violence

Published on 29th November 2007 in News

Humberside Police are cracking down on drink-fuelled violence in Goole in the run-up to Christmas.

Uniformed and plain clothes police officers will be visiting licensed premises in Goole throughout December, aiming at reducing levels of violent crime and disorder and supporting the responsible sale of alcohol.

Licensing Officer Dick Beeforth of Humberside Police said: "Six to seven police officers will be visiting Goole most weekends. Some will be going into the pubs in plain clothes to see the true picture of what goes on.

"We don't want to be party-poopers, but we want everyone to have a good time over the Christmas period. We will be there for public reassurance.

"If landlords and licensees stand back and let people be drunk and disorderly and continue to serve them, they will be in trouble."

Both licensees and customers will be targeted for various offences, including failing to leave licensed premises when requested, obtaining alcohol for a person who is drunk, selling alcohol to a person who is drunk, or allowing disorderly conduct on licensed premises.

Posters have been put up in pubs, bars and clubs around town stating: 'We serve drinks, not drunks', and warning people that, if they appear to be drunk, they will not be served.

It is hoped that the scheme will reduce the amount of calls for service in hot-spot areas and will consolidate an effective partnership with members of the licensed trade.

The scheme will also see a review of what it considers irresponsible drink promotions, such as 'happy hour' and two-for-one deals. Pc Beeforth said: "Whilst these promotions are not illegal, we will be looking at the ones that lead directly to problems of drunk and disorderly situations."

The scheme is part of a Government-funded crackdown and it will be the first time plain clothes officers have been used in such a campaign. Humberside Police have been granted the full amount of funding to put the scheme into action.