Watford wins award for action against 'irresponsible drinking'

12.00.00am GMT Mon 1st Dec 2008

Dorothy Thornhill: Dorothy says: ‘It’s encouraging that the work we are doing has led to a national award and a reduction in alcohol-related violence. We want people to feel safe in Watford, whether at home, in their local neighbourhood or in the town centre.’

Lib Dem-run Watford Borough Council has won a national award for tackling all aspects of anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol.

As part of their bid to keep Watford a safe town, Mayor Dorothy Thornhill and the council, working with the police, have introduced a range of initiatives to combat under-age and binge drinking and the nuisance this can cause to local residents. These have included:

• a 'three strikes and you're out' policy for banning those guilty of drunken rowdyism from pubs in Watford

• 'Operation Calibre' to tackle under-age drinking, including dispersing groups who are causing a nuisance, talking to their parents, as well as taking action against off licences that sell alcohol to young people

• fixed penalty notices for aggressive behaviour associated with alcohol consumption.

These and other measures have reduced the amount of alcohol related violence in the town.