Alcohol marking scheme launches
in Shotley

The trial has began of an alcohol-marking scheme, following concerns raised by Shotley Parish Council to the East Babergh Safer Neighbourhood Team about youth drinking.

PCSO Trish Gibson of the East Babergh Safer Neighbourhood Team says, “Shotley is no different to a number of villages where alcohol being consumed by some young people leads to nuisance, anti-social-behaviour and low level crime."

“In the trial scheme each container of alcohol sold to be consumed off premises will be marked with an individual mark for each licensee. This will be done with permanent UV pen and can be seen by UV torch. All licensees in the area are taking part, and local councillor David Wood has generously funded the pens and torches.

“The scheme should help us identify the origin of any empty vessels, or ones seized from underage drinkers in the area. We want to help prevent under-age drinkers from being tempted to purchase alcohol from local places, and to gain information on people who may be buying alcohol and supplying to under-age people.

“We hope this scheme will also educate the licensees, so they can help us by refusing to sell alcohol to anyone who may be supplying it to under-age people. By engaging with the licensees we are hoping young people will understand they cannot rely on others to purchase it for them, as they could be traced and dealt with. It will also serve as protection to licensees who are often wrongly accused of selling alcohol to young people. The idea has been positively received by all the premises taking part in the scheme.”

Shotley Parish Council Chairman Richard Wrinch adds, “Hopefully the effect of this scheme will be to change the flow of alcohol, so that it doesn't get into the hands of the small minority of youths who've caused some misery and mess in the village. We're really grateful to the licensees in the village for co-operating with this scheme – and to police community support officer Trish Gibson for pushing our idea into reality.”

The scheme is on trial in the Shotley area until October this year, and if it is successful it is hoped it will be rolled out to the whole of the Babergh district.

• Parish Council