OVER 18 SCHEME The Tynemouth Area Command Over-18-Scheme was launched during the spring of 1998 with publicity from the local Evening Chronicle newspaper giving regional coverage, Local Free Press, and other Media including television, in an attempt to promote Whitley Bay as a safe place to eat, drink and socialise in the licensed premises within the area. The primary aims of the Over 18 Scheme are to reduce incidents of Youth disorder under the influence of alcohol. Under age drinking in pubs, clubs and licensed premises. Under age purchasing of alcohol from off licensees. Reduce confrontation situations with door personnel. The recent introduction of CCTV, Doormen registration scheme, Permanent Beat officers, and the police trained and vetted North Tyneside Security Partnership Patrols, have all helped in reducing incidents of crime and disorder in Whitley Bay Town Centre and Sea Front Resort. The formation of L.A.P.D. (Licensing Against Public Disorder) pub watch scheme, coinciding with the launch of the Over-18-Scheme was the final icing on the cake for Crime Prevention measures to make Whitley Bay a safer place to work, drink and live. The Over-18-Scheme is an Identification Card initiative which was researched, developed and produced by the area command Crime Prevention Officer, who is also the Crime Prevention Panel Secretary. The Over-18-Scheme was launched in March 1998. All 277 Pubs, Clubs, Off-licences, Supermarkets, and outlets where Alcohol was sold were sent letters from the Area Commander to promote and make them aware of the scheme, and ask for their support in the initiative. Full Colour A3 posters were produced and included in the packs for display in the aforementioned premises. Over-18-Scheme I.D.cards were designed and printed from the Crime Prevention Office in order to maintain continuity of design, a Laminator and pouches were purchased by the Tynemouth Crime Prevention Panel for use at Whitley Bay and North Shields Police Stations. Door personnel, staff and licensees were encouraged to prohibit entry to any youth who appeared under 18, those who were lawfully entitled to enter their premises were then encouraged to call at either of the police stations with 2 forms of suitable ID and a passport photo and they would be immediately issued by front office staff, with a certified ID card, FREE of charge, which would be recognised and allow entry into the pubs and clubs. To date over 2000 people have joined the scheme which received National praise and recognition when it was promoted on the "Esther" Television Program. |
