Police launch campaign against anti-social drinking

Police, working in partnership with local authorities in Down, are launching a campaign targetting anti-social drinking.

In partnership with Down District Council Enforcement Office, the Community Safety Partnership, Eastern Drug and Alcohol Co-ordination Team (EDACT), the town centre manager Mr Eric Tommasini and local licensees, police have launched a joint initiative aimed at combating anti-social and ‘on street’ drinking.

It is hoped the initiative, called “Chill Out – Don’t Pass Out”, will promote responsible drinking and help combat anti-social street drinking, with the intent of reducing crime and the fear of crime in the area.

It is also intended to raise awareness of the Down District Council Bye Laws forbidding consumption of alcohol within designated areas, and to take positive action against persons breaching these Bye Laws.

Chief Inspector Peter Loughins commented: “We hope this campaign will inform people who breach the Council Bye Law that this causes fear to members of the public and has a negative effect on the image of the area. It will focus on promoting responsible drinking asking persons to consider the phrase ‘Chill out, don’t pass out’. Our message to everyone is to enjoy your night out but think before you drink.”

The partnership plans to publicise the initiative by placing promotional material such as posters, leaflets, key-rings and ‘spill’ mats in public places, bars, nightclubs and off-licenses.

The partnership first formed two years ago in response to requests from members of the community following a public consultation exercise carried out by Down District Policing Partnership, which identified underage and anti-social drinking as an issue of great concern to the public.

(CD/SP)