ACTION ON UNDER AGE SALES Michelle Cutler Enforcement and Information Officer (Under Age Sales)

BACKGROUND Access to alcohol by young people and the resulting crime and disorder is recognised as a significant community problem which impacts on crime and the fear of crime in many areas of the Borough.

BACKGROUND Recent changes in legislation added a new duty in relation to the illegal sale of alcohol that previously was the sole responsibility of the Police. Specialist post of Enforcement and Information Officer (Under Age Sales) funded by the Neighbourhood Renewal Fund until

THE ROLE Specialist officer responsible for all areas of illegal sales of age restricted products. To develop a strategy that impacts on the illegal sale and effects of alcohol misuse by young people and Provide the main link with other agencies in relation to under age sales.

RESEARCH FINDINGS 84% of 12 – 17 year olds have drunk alcohol. 62% of under 18’s viewed drinking positively – as a means of socialising with friends. 57% said they thought young people drank alcohol because they liked to get drunk. 36% of offenders aged 12 – 17 years were frequent drinkers. 15% of 12 – 17 year olds had been involved in some form of anti social behaviour during, or after, drinking (Source: Home Office Research. 1998–99 Youth Lifestyle Survey.)

LOCAL PICTURE 88% of youths say after drinking they have been unable to remember the night before 61% said they had been in a fight after drinking alcohol (Source: Feedback from CragRats “Anti-Social Behaviour and Alcohol Production” October 2002)

AGE RESTRICTED PRODUCTS Alcohol Tobacco Products Fireworks Videos and Computer Games Solvents Gas lighter refills Knives Lottery

LINKS TO COMMUNITY AIMS The post contributes directly towards:  the Council’s Community Safety priority and  South Tyneside’s Crime and Disorder Reduction Partnership

LINKS TO COMMUNITY AIMS The post also impacts on:  Health and Social Care,  Education,  Inclusion,  The Environment and South Tyneside Policing Plan 2002/3

OUTPUTS Maintain and expand proof of age scheme (Citizencard)  Extended to include new year 7 intake in September  Extended to include all special schools in the Borough

OUTPUTS Confidential Telephone Hotline set up to report sales to minors (Freephone facility available 24 hours)

OUTPUTS Programme of joint visits to Off Licence premises with officers from Northumbria Police “Operation Gallon”  Visits in 3 pilot wards completed. Joint visits now being rolled out across the Borough  Prioritising “hot spot” areas with highest levels of anti-social behaviour and crime

“OPERATION GALLON” Joint working with Northumbria Police including  Joint visits to off licence premises Where we continue to receive complaints  Observation / surveillance  Test purchases

OUTCOMES Calls to the Police in relation to youth disorder have reduced dramatically in the pilot wards since the start of “Operation Gallon” Reduction in youth disorder calls has been maintained in those areas Currently 2 Prosecutions pending for alcohol sales from off licences

PROACTIVE PARTNERSHIPS Protocol agreed with Northumbria Police to define enforcement responsibility in relation to alcohol sales  Northumbria Police continue with responsibility for “on licensed” premises (pubs and clubs)  Trading Standards responsible for “off licence” premises

PROACTIVE PARTNERSHIPS Northumbria Police Citizencard Nexus Community Safety Team Tyne and Wear Fire Brigade Local Education Authority South Tyneside Primary Care Trust Drugs Action Team Youth Offending Team (YOT) Youth Inclusion Programme (YIP) Youth Forum Community Wardens Library Service

MAPS INVOLVEMENT Part of new Multi Agency Problem Solving approach to delivering Community Safety at local levels in South Tyneside

LOCAL ACTIONS SUMMARISED Established working links and contacts with other Agencies All secondary pupils given the opportunity to receive Citizencard Freephone telephone Hotline launched Currently two prosecutions pending against retailers for sales of alcohol to under 18’s

New and Innovative way of targeting resources  First Authority in the North East to appoint specialist officer in this field.  Satisfies both Customer and Corporate priorities and anticipated will improve quality of life in South Tyneside.

Michelle Cutler Neighbourhood Services Directorate Trading Standards Central Library Building South Shields Tel: