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POLICE in Blackpool and the Fylde are leading the way with a new operation to tackle alcohol related harm. In the first operation of its kind in the country, officers from the Licensing Department along with health professionals will be attending large supermarkets in the area to educate shoppers on sensible drinking and to raise awareness of alcohol consumption. Codenamed Operation Alfreshco and funded by BSafe Blackpool, the initiative focuses on three themes - the potential for excessive alcohol consumption to affect moods and lead to arguments; the appropriate storage of alcohol by parents; and education on how much alcohol makes up a unit. Officers will be kick-starting the campaign in the run up to Christmas and have organised to have stands at Asda on Cherry Tree Road, Sainsbury's on Red Bank Road, and Tesco on Clifton Retail Park. Inspector Keith Ogle from Blackpool and the Fylde's Licensing Department said: "Supermarkets are major retailers of alcohol and I am delighted that they are actively supporting our campaign to promote sensible drinking. "Alcohol plays a significant part in the majority of violent crimes and, with the festive period approaching, people tend to consume more alcohol. We are not telling people not to drink alcohol, just to be aware of the potential affects that excessive alcohol consumption can have and wherever possible alternate alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks." The three supermarkets have contributed to the funding for the promotional literature, which officers will be handing out to shoppers. Police will also be asking shoppers to take part in an interactive questionnaire regarding alcohol consumption. Susie Norton, PR Ambassador from Sainsbury's on Red Bank Road, said: "This operation is a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness amongst shoppers of the importance of sensible drinking. "We are very concerned about underage drinking and the impact alcohol can have on people. "We get a lot of youngsters in the store trying to purchase alcohol and, as a responsible retailer, we want to do everything we can to combat this. We have procedures in place to ensure that alcohol is not sold to anyone underage or anyone who is aggressive or appears drunk and our staff are very vigilant and well trained." www.lancashire.police.uk |
