Archive Council News

This page is a news release published by Wrexham County Borough Council.
Content Author: pressoffice@wrexham.gov.uk

06 July 2012

Police and Council join forces to clamp down on under age drinking

Two Wrexham Pubs have been served a notice to shut for 48 hours after selling alcohol to under-age persons on two separate occasions within a three month period.

North Wales Police and Wrexham Council’s Trading Standards department regularly conduct multi agency test purchasing exercises in order to prevent and reduce under age drinking in the County Borough.

The Police, supported by Trading Standards completed two test purchasing operations in on licensed premises in the County during March and June 2012. On both occasions’ two licensed premises sold alcohol to a person under 18. Fixed penalty notices of £80 were issued to the staff who made the sale at The New Inn Johnstown and The Welch Fusilier in Wrexham and both premises have now been offered a period of closure as an alternative to criminal prosecution under Section 169A(2) of the Licensing Act 2003 for repeatedly selling alcohol to underage persons.

The Welch Fusilier in Wrexham has accepted the closure and as a result they will be shut from 5pm on Friday 6th of July 2012 until 5pm on Sunday 8th of July.

The New Inn has also accepted the closure and will be closed from 5pm on Friday 10th August until 5pm on Sunday 12th August 2012.

Chief Inspector Alex Goss said:

“This positive action is an example of the way in which the police and our partners are keen to enforce the licensing legislation to achieve our objectives of preventing crime and disorder and protecting children from harm. reducing crime and disorder and protecting children. The closure of these two pubs is evidence of the tough stance we are taking on licensing offences. We are keen to promote a safe and prosperous night time economy in Wrexham, well managed pubs and clubs with responsible licensees are key to this.”

Wrexham Community Safety Partnership has developed a multi faceted approach to dealing with Under Age Drinking in the County Borough. The focus on licensed premise represent one aspect of the work, during August 2012 they will launch a further campaign which will target young people. The campaign will include Police and partner agency operations focussing on the 23 August 2012 namely GCSE results day, the operations will be supported by a publicity campaign which will help raise awareness amongst parents, carers and young people about under age drinking and the law.

Lee Robinson, Strategic Director at Wrexham Council and Chair of Wrexham Community Safety Partnership said: “Under age drinking is a matter which the Community Safety Partnership takes very seriously.

“We know that very clear links can be made between alcohol consumption amongst young people, anti social behaviour and violent crime. We will therefore do all we can to ensure that we prevent and reduce under age drinking in the County. The message from the Community Safety Partnership is clear and simple – under age drinking will not be tolerated in Wrexham County Borough."

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