Agenda item - Sensible on Strength

Report of the Head of Regulatory Services (copy attached)

15.1         The Committee considered a report from the Head of Regulatory Services, which provided information on the Sensible on Strength campaign. The report was introduced by Mr T Nichols, Ms S Cornell and Ms D Lynsdale.

15.2         Councillor Hyde was concerned that those who didn’t agree to take part would benefit by selling more alcohol. Officers said that was a possibility, but traders and police would monitor sales and take action where appropriate.

15.3         Councillor Marsh referred to a recent programme on BBC Radio 4 regarding street drinking in Brighton and asked if the Chair or officers had been asked to take part, and noted that the presenter had spoken to street drinkers in the city who’d said they didn’t think the policy would work. The Chair said she had been away and hadn’t been able to take part, but the Deputy Chair had been approached. Councillor Deane confirmed she had been approached and had pre-recorder an interview along with Chief Superintendent Kemp of Sussex Police. Unfortunately the length of show had been cut and her comments had had to be omitted, however the full programme could be listened to on the BBC Website.

15.4         Councillor Gilbey noted that 40% of traders had signed up for the campaign and asked whether they were mostly in the city centre or the outskirts. Officers said they had started by contacting traders in St James Street. Initially they had been worried about agreeing to the changes, but they had found that they had suffered fewer thefts and had attracted more customers since the changes. The authority was working with the Police and Equinox on this campaign. Other areas covered were London Road, Preston Road, Whitehawk and the St Peter’s Church area.

15.5         Councillor Robins asked whether this was aimed just at street drinkers or whether pubs and clubs would be involved too as the impact on public health should be considered for everyone. Officers confirmed that at the moment the focus was on street drinking, but the authority would also be looking at the benefit to the public health of the whole city.

15.6         Councillor C Theobald said she had spoken to one trader who had seen a reduction in drunk customers and so was happy with the changes.

15.7         Councillor Lepper welcomed the campaign and noted that a similar scheme in Ipswich had been a great success and shops had found their business had improved.

15.8         Councillor Deane said it was important to stress that this was a voluntary scheme and was focused on off licence trade. It was good that traders had already seen benefits.

15.9         Councillor Simson thought the campaign would also benefit those who drank excessively at home, not just those who drank on the streets.

15.10    RESOLVED –

(1)   That the Committee noted the report

(2)   That the Sensible on Strength campaign be formally launched.