More off-licences are joining in the crackdown on the problems caused by street drinkers and their anti-social behaviour.

And this week also saw the re-launch of the Three Strikes scheme which aims to make drinkers face up to their behaviour and do something about it.

Two-way radios, linking the shopkeepers with CCTV, the police and other businesses in the town, have been given to five shopkeepers in the Market Square area who have signed up to the Reduce The Strength initiative, aimed at preventing those with drink problems from buying strong alcohol.

The initiative was launched by Dover District Council, Dover Town Council, the police, Port of Dover Police, Turning Point and the Dover Partnership Against Crime in May, following complaints about drinkers in the town and the impression it creates for visitors, as well as upsetting businesses and people.

Staff at off-licences have been given details and, in some cases, photos of those who cause problems, and they are refusing to sell them alcohol over 6.5%.

The two-way radios are linked to the Shopwatch scheme, which enables information about offenders to be shared with other DPAC members in the town, and can alert CCTV operators to incidents which are taking place. Other stores can then be given advance warning of possible offenders heading their way.

Police officers are ordering the drinkers who consume alcohol in the town centre to stop, and if they refuse they confiscate their booze and can issue them with notices to stay away from the area.

Community safety officer Allan Rooke-James said it was a voluntary scheme but he was pleased with the support most shopkeepers had given.

“Street drinking is a problem, and we are determined to do something about it,” he said.

Police Sgt Sam Parker said officers were taking a tough stance over consumption of alcohol in the town centre, and the anti-social behaviour which it could lead to.

The Three Strikes scheme, which was launched in Dover in November 2005, involves those who commit alcohol-fuelled offences being given a yellow card with a warning as to the consequence of a further arrest. They are also given advice on how to address their behaviour.

After a second offence, a red card is issued and they are banned from licensed premises in the scheme for six months and a third offence will result in an application being made to the courts for an anti-social behaviour order.

Full story in this week's Dover Mercury.