Smoking ban legislation 

With the advent of the smoking ban legislation due to come into force from the July 1st , certain licensed premises around Bridport have designated smoking areas that allow customers to smoke. It has been noted that some customers are coming outside to smoke in the main street outside premises whilst bringing their glasses and alcoholic drinks onto the street. There is a drinking prohibition that is enforceable to prevent the consumption of alcohol to reduceanti-social behaviour. I ask that if you wish to smoke, then use the designated smoking areas on the premises, thus reducing the risk of your alcohol being taken from you.

Licensed premises – including off licensed premise

A number of reports also came to my attention regarding the attempted purchase or sale of alcohol to persons under 18 either in a licensed premise and at off licensed premises.The Licensing Act 2003 covers offences involving unauthorised licensable activities. Section 149 makes it an offence for a child to buy or attempt to buy alcohol whether or not on licensed premises,for him to have alcohol supplied to him or attempted to do so. It also makes it an offence for a person to act as an agent for a child in purchasing or attempting to purchase alcohol. For example, if a child gives money to an adult to buy alcohol in an off-licence for consumption by the child. There is a further offence for that person. Consumption of alcohol on premises by person under 18 It also makes it an offence knowingly to allow the consumption of alcohol by a child on relevant licensed premises if that child buys or attempts to buy alcohol .To a person who works at the premise in a capacity, whether paid or unpaid, he or she is authorised to prevent the sale and consumption to a child or person under 18. If licensees or staff allow this to happen, a fine is likely to be given to the individual and the premise if it continues. By taking reasonable steps this can be stopped by cooperation with licensees and staff in these premises.

Proof of age

There are certain types of approved Identity cards or proof of age documents nationally recognised. These are passports, UK photo driving license, citizenship card, Validate UK proof of age card and a Portman proof of age card.

Whilst these forms of identity will allow you to lawfully purchase age specific products, such as alcohol or cigarettes if you are challenged about your age. However It is still the choice of the licensee or proprietor to refuse custom if they think you are or have supplied these items to anyone under the legal age.

Over the last 7 days 14 arrests were made:

1x Threats to kill.
1x Homophobic aggravated assault actual bodily harm.
1x Assault actual bodily harm.
4x Theft/ theft shoplifting
1x Breach of bail conditions
3x Warrant failing to appear / breach of community order.
2x Disorderly behaviour
1x Positive breath test [drink driving]

If you have any information regarding the above offences or any other crimes, then please come forward and help us with our enquiries:  it may be your evidence, which successfully secures a conviction.  Instead of accepting that crime is part of the Bridport society, let’s give the courts the facts and allow them to decide.

Contact the police station direct, or speak to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111 – all calls will be treated in confidence.

PC 2232 Scott McGregor
Community Beat Officer