Isle of Wight Police will be pulling out all the stops to prevent alcohol related crime for the new year.

Police are working with licensees to reduce the risks of crime and disorder on the Isle of Wight during the New Year party season.

There are routine extra patrols in the Island’s main towns to help prevent reported problems escalating into crimes. Officers on duty speak with staff in licensed premises and independent ‘Street Pastors’ to identify people in vulnerable situations.

Isle of Wight Licensing Sergeant Mark Voller (pictured above) said: 

“Police hope everyone can celebrate and enjoy the new year without putting themselves at risk of becoming involved in anti-social behaviour or crime.

“Officers rely on licensees and their staff to maintain high standards during the festive season to ensure a safe and sociable drinking experience for everyone. Refusing to serve someone who’s in danger from drinking too much alcohol can prevent violence, a sexual offence, domestic abuse or a tragedy on the road.

“Customers may be unaware that an offence is also committed by anybody who obtains alcohol for a person who is drunk on licensed premises. We all bear a responsibility towards our friends and how much we drink.”

Sergeant Voller added: 

“We are acutely aware this was a tough year for many licensed premises on the Island. Police are grateful to the many licensed premises that have not allowed their scrupulous standards to drop despite greater economic pressures.

”The police also back the Island’s independent Pubwatch schemes. Troublemakers come to the attention of local licensees, who may decide to ban an individual from all pubs and clubs participating in a scheme. The police do not have voting rights, but support Pubwatches by providing factual information about banned individuals. Pubwatch demonstrates that most licensees have a responsible approach and will not tolerate trouble.”

”A key police message for licensees and staff is that we expect you to be vigilant and to deal actively with problem drinkers before they become a nuisance to other customers and to the community. In practice this means refusing to sell alcohol to anyone who is drunk and refusing to tolerate disorderly behaviour. Selling alcohol to a drunken person is an offence. Discretion and common sense will be exercised by police, but enforcement of this simple rule should help make it a safer new year for everyone.”