Last Orders for Drunken Behaviour in Rochdale

'Think Safe Drink Safe' Logo

Rochdale will be running their ‘Think Safe, Drink Safe’ campaign over the festive period, as part of the Government’s Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (AMEC).

From 24 November, police in Rochdale will be stepping up their campaign against alcohol-related crime and disorder in line with AMEC, with partnership work focusing on the illegal supply of alcohol to young people; public reassurance by targeted policing; monitoring the management of licensed premises and the detection of alcohol related crime and violence in or around venues.

Chief Inspector John Martin, Rochdale Police and Chairman of Rochdale Safer Communities Partnership Alcohol Strategy Group said: “We want to ensure that everyone going out for a drink this Christmas in the Rochdale area will be able to do so without becoming a victim of alcohol-related crime or behaviour.

“High-visibility patrols will be stepped-up in the centres of Rochdale, Heywood, Middleton, Littleborough and Milnrow by police officers, on hand to prevent alcohol-related incidents. They will be making use of the new powers available to them, which includes on the spot fines of £80 for drunk and disorderly behaviour and urinating in the street.”

Andy Glover, Trading Standards said: "Selling alcohol to young people under 18 is irresponsible and illegal, and we are determined to bring appropriate sanctions to bear on those traders who flout the law.

“Together with our, we partners are determined to crack down on illegal underage drinking. Because of the misery this offence causes right across our communities, it will continue to be a priority issue for police and trading standards teams. We will continue to carry out test purchases to ensure the law is being obeyed."

Adrian Watson, Rochdale Metropolitan Borough Council Chief Environmental Health & Licensing Officer said: “When the new licences come into force on 24 November the Council’s enforcement officers will be working closely with the police to ensure that licensees are operating within the terms of their new licences, in an attempt to ensure that the Licensing Act makes a positive contribution to this campaign, and to long-term improvements to the drinking culture within the Borough.”

Working together with their partners, Rochdale police have already achieved success in tackling alcohol-related crime and disorder.  The introduction of a borough-wide street drinking ban in April this year has seen an 81 per cent drop in incidents and a more pro-active approach to policing has seen the number of alcohol-related assaults drop by 14.5 per cent.