Police take action to tackle anti-social behaviour

Date published: 05 September 2010

Freetown Newsagents has been denied permission to sell alcohol after police expressed concerns over the potential impact on crime and anti-social behaviour.

The decision to deny a licence to the Bridge Street premises was made by Bury Council’s licensing and safety panel on August 31.

Speaking at the meeting, PC Helen Tildesley and PC Kevin McGill warned that a licensed premise there could result in problems with large crowds congregating, increased litter, public intimidation and adults illegally buying alcohol on behalf of underage drinkers.

Despite Ms Kelly Smith, the proposed Designated Premises Supervisor's protestations that it was other shops in the area that were causing problems, that she would implement policies to prevent the sale of alcohol to underage drinkers and get extra bins installed the application was rejected on the grounds of preventing crime and disorder and protecting children from harm.

Chief Inspector Carol Martin of Greater Manchester Police’s Bury Division said: “We listen to our communities and act on the issues that matter to them and affect their lives.

"Alcohol-fuelled crimes such as anti-social behaviour, under-age drinking and littering are all issues that impact negatively on the quality of life of residents and anything that is likely to lead to an increase in them will, as in this case, be robustly challenged by us.
“Officers in Bury are working tirelessly to ensure that our town remains a safe place in which to live, work and visit.”