Reduce the Strength project aims to tackle drink-related anti-social behaviour

Shops in Dover Town Centre are being asked to sign up to support a new scheme to make sure drink-related anti-social behaviour continues to be tackled in the town, and to ensure that the area remains a safe place to live, work and visit.

Dover District Community Safety Partnership working with other agencies launched the Reduce the Strength project in Dover Town on 1 May to reduce the strength of alcohol sold to 'street drinkers' and those engaging in drink-related anti-social behaviour. The project is in response to complaints about this issue and the impression it makes.

The project will be for a 6 month trial period and aims to stop alcohol over 6.5% being sold to street drinkers. It is hoped that the project will continue after this period.

It has worked very well in Ipswich where the first trial took place. Six shops have already signed up to the project in Dover, and others will be approached to join. The agencies backing this scheme are Dover District Council, Kent Police, Turning Point, Port of Dover Police, Dover Partnership Against Crime and Dover Town Council.

Cllr Sue Chandler, DDC Cabinet Member for Community said: "We welcome this initiative, and are very pleased that shop keepers in Dover are working closely in partnership with us on this issue. Street drinking needs to be controlled and, working together, steps have been taken to make sure that Dover continues to be a welcoming place to residents and visitors."

Karen Griffiths DPAC Co-ordinator said: "Alcohol plays a big part in anti-social behaviour and some crime in town centres. We are working with the other agencies to prevent stronger drinks from being sold to those who behave anti-socially. Our members want to make sure Dover remains a pleasant place to live and work, and we will do all we can to support this scheme."