Newquay 'urgently investigating' ADZ
Authorities in Newquay are "urgently investigating" the idea of an Alcohol Disorder Zone (ADZ) in the Cornish resort.
It comes as police have written to every bar in Devon and Cornwall running an all-inclusive drinks deal saying it will take the "strongest possible action" if problems occur.
The council-backed multi-agency Newquay Safe partnership has launched a sensible drinking campaign called Lost — following a march by residents who want urgent action on bingeing. The resort has hit the news after deaths of teenagers who had been drinking.
A council spokeswoman said: "Newquay Safe is urgently investigating the possibility of implementing an alcohol disorder zone."
Under an ADZ, pubs could be forced to agree to new conditions and pay for policing.
Short-term measures proposed by Newquay Safe include asking licensees only to accept only passports and driving licences as ID. Longer term there is talk of a new code of conduct for bars to discourage irresponsible promotions.
All-inclusive offers
Assistant Chief Constable Paul Netherton, who has written to every all-inclusive venue in Devon and Cornwall, said: "We are committed to doing everything possible to reducing alcohol related crime and disorder and working with our partners to make our towns and villages safer.
"The constabulary is strongly opposed to such drinks promotions as it is well established that these practices are associated with significant increases in alcohol related crime and disorder.
"There has been a large amount of local and national media coverage concerning licensing, underage and excessive drinking during the last few weeks and I would reiterate we will take the strongest action possible against premises where promotions encourage people to drink as much as they like for a nominal fee."
He added: "Selling as much alcohol as you can drink for £10 is just wrong — not only from a social responsibility perspective, but also for someone's health and well being.
"I accept the use of such promotions is not unlawful in itself, but establishments running them are failing to meet the fundamental objectives of the Licensing Act.
"Premises that continue to operate under these promotions will be subject to enhanced policing, including increased licensing visits and checks by both uniformed and plain clothes officers.
"As partners, we must take a strong and robust stance against any licensee if they use this form of promotion and a zero tolerance to this form of drinking."
The news comes as trade leaders voiced fears that more towns would try to implement tough new conditions on pubs following last night's Panorama show in Oldham.
