23 - Social responsibility scheme

 

The partnership, made up of community renewal officers, police, trading standards and licensing and the youth service will be visiting the off licenses in Castle & Priory and adjoining Gornal neighbourhoods as part of its social responsibility scheme. 

 

They will ask them to display information about activities during Whit week and also information about responsible drinking produced by the PCT.  They will also monitor the premises.

 

The scheme was set up earlier this year to help tackle the problem of children and youths purchasing alcohol illegally, which can lead to health problems, crime and anti social behaviour.  Partners in the youth service and Dudley PCT are also contributing to the project.

 

All of the 14 off licenses who signed up to join the social responsibility scheme have been assessed to receive funding to install additional security measures at their premises and additional patrols by the PCSOs have been introduced.

 

“This is a pilot scheme, to work with the off licences in the area to help tackle problems of underage drinking and the effects it has on the community.  The partners feel there is a real benefit in dealing with this jointly and the off licenses are keen to work with us.  It is hoped this will lead to fewer complaints being received about this antisocial behaviour.”