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A group promoting responsible alcohol sales and combating alcohol abuse has got a new chairman. The A5 Off-Licence Forum takes its name from the A5 neighbourhood policing area covering Clayton, Ancoats, Miles Platting, Newton Heath and Collyhurst South. The new chairman is Mahesh Panchal, owner of the Fresh & Frozen off-licence in Newton Heath. He said: "I am honoured to be elected as the new chair of the forum. Corner shops are the heart of the community and by working together with the council and the police we can ensure that the community stays safe and healthy." Mr Panchal was elected at a meeting of the forum attended by 70 people, including 15 off-licensees, 12 resident representatives, three councillors and staff from the police, the NHS Primary Care Trust and Northwards wardens. Phil Appleby, Community Safety Co-ordinator for New East Manchester, which supports the forum, said: "This event was a huge success. We discussed how we, as a forum, are going to tackle problems in the future, including alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and health issues." Sean McGonigle, Director of Regeneration for New East Manchester, said: "The Forum is just one of the ways that individuals and organisations are working together to promote good practice in the sale of alcohol and to reduce the problems it can cause when it is abused. "Twenty six of the 44 off-licences in the area are already involved in the group and the aim is to increase membership even further." MEDIA CONTACT: Martin Hellewell, New East Manchester, tel: 0161 223 1155, ext 2167. |
