Reducing The Strength Campaign

North Wales Police are launching a campaign against the sale of super strength alcohol in Wrexham.

The Stamp Out Super Strength campaign is aimed at cutting the sale alcohol above 6.5 per cent proof and is being launched in line with National Alcohol Awareness Week starting Monday November 18.

The campaign hopes to reduce the harm, damage and anti-social behaviour often associated with access to cheap alcohol.

A single 500ml can of nine per cent lager contains four and a half units of alcohol, more than the recommended daily limit for men and women.

The scheme has support of the town’s major supermarkets and the aim now is to sign up independent retailers.

Town- based sergeant, Paul Wycherley, said: “Super strength alcohol is often favoured by those most vulnerable in our community.

“Providing these people with these products increases their vulnerability to becoming victims of crime, of them becoming involved in criminal activity and the likelihood they will suffer significant health problems.

“I am pleased major shops have already agreed to this initiative and we hope to get more on board.

“Alcohol-related incidents have a knock-on effect for hospital staff, the fire service and the council, so we hope a positive knock-on effect will be felt by all.”

A similar scheme in Ipswich has seen a reduction in street-drinking related arrests of 49.2 per cent and lowered levels of anti-social behaviour by 19 per cent.

Chris Cheshire, Wrexham retail crime officer, said: “Our colleagues in Suffolk managed to get a number of major retailers on board which included Tesco, Sainsbury’s, the Co-op and Aldi.

“I am pleased to say that here in Wrexham those same retailers have pledged their support together with Asda, Morrison’s and Casper stores. I hope and expect that others will follow.”

Most major supermarkets do not stock super strength alcohol, but were keen to give their support to the Wrexham campaign.