Supermarkets help to tackle underage drinking in Scarborough

Policing teams visited Lidl, Tesco and Sainsbury's as part of national Alcohol Awareness Week

Author: Karen LiuPublished 17th Nov 2021

North Yorkshire Police are working with supermarkets in Scarborough as part of on-going efforts to deal with underage drinking and related anti-social behaviour.

Officers paid visits to CAP (Community Alcohol Partnership) members - Lidl, Tesco and Sainsbury's yesterday (Tuesday 16th November), which coincides with the national Alcohol Awareness Week.

It provided another opportunity for the team, led by Acting Sergeant Jon Dillon with PCSOs Donna Switzer-Green, Dan Manners and Nathan Stuart, to engage with the public about the work of the partnership, as well as highlighting general health and social problem linked to alcohol consumption.

The team then visited nearby off-licences to provide Scarborough CAP Christmas posters to warn against the proxy purchase and supply of alcohol to children by adults.

A/Sgt Dillon said: “Scarborough CAP’s mission is seeking to ensure children do not drink alcohol and develop responsible attitudes to drinking as they become adults. It is also to reduce anti-social behaviour and crime involving alcohol and provide a safer environment for the public.

“The partnership targets four key areas to achieve this, through education, diversion, enforcement if required, and public engagement which we have undertaken at the supermarkets.

“By working together and with outstanding support from the likes of Lidl, Tesco and Sainsbury’s, we are doing all we can to address the issues of underage drinking and adults illegally buying alcohol for children, which are of great concern to many people in the town.

“Anyone caught buying alcohol for children could get a £90 on-the-spot fine or end up in court with a criminal record and an unlimited fine.”

Reporting incidents

Scarborough CAP is urging residents to report any incident related to underage drinking, including the supply of it by adults.

Contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, select option 1, and speak to the Force Control Room. Or email the local policing team at snascarborough@northyorkshire.police.uk

Anti-social behaviour can also be reported to Scarborough Borough Council on 01723 383646

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