More advice from the Police for the holiday period. Ed
Police on the Isle of Wight are calling on the community to help prevent the harm caused by crime linked to alcohol during Christmas and the New Year.
Licensing officers are working with the Isle of Wight Community Safety Partnership and the island’s independent Pubwatch to tackle anti-social behaviour.
Test purchase operations at licensed premises and extra police patrols in town centres are planned this month.
Pace your drinking
Isle of Wight Police Licensing Sergeant Mark Voller said: “We want people to avoid the risks of becoming involved in crime, and stay safe while celebrating the festive season.
“Most of us enjoy alcohol responsibly and know when we’re drinking to an extent where our own safety is jeopardised. You don’t have to drink to excess to have a good time. Drink at your own pace and switch to soft drinks if you have had enough.
“You will be committing an offence by obtaining alcohol for a person who is drunk on licensed premises. We all bear a responsibility towards our friends and how much we drink.”
For more information, go to Know Your Limits Website.
Vigilance required from pubs and bars
Sergeant Mark Voller added: “A safe and sociable drinking culture also depends on high standards from licensees and their staff. The vast majority of pubs and bars on the island take this responsibility seriously, and therefore attract little or no trouble on their premises.
”The police urge licensees to be vigilant and proactive in dealing with excessive drinkers before they pose a risk to other customers and the community. Selling alcohol to a drunken person is an offence in itself, and refusing to do so can help prevent violence, a sexual offence, domestic abuse or a tragedy on the road.
“Discretion and common sense will be exercised by police when targeting licensees with a lax approach, but enforcement of this simple rule should help make it a safer and happier new year for everyone.”
Image: Bistro Savage under CC BY 2.0
