Benllech Bottlewatch scheme

The first fixed penalty ticket has been issued to an individual who supplied alcohol to youngsters in Benllech on Anglesey.

Since the introduction of a scheme aimed at tackling under-age drinking was introduced in Benllech on Anglesey in July this year, a man has been issued with a fixed penalty ticket for supplying youngsters with alcohol.

The 21-year-old local man was fined £80 last week after being caught buying alcohol from the Spar store and supplying it to under-aged youths.

This is the first ticket to be issued in Benllech under ‘Bottlewatch’ - a partnership scheme that involves marking of bottles and cans, which are sold within local shops, with a unique tamper proof sticker. Officers who catch youths drinking in public places can then trace the items via the sticker to their point of sale and take appropriate action.

Bottlewatch was initially launched in Holyhead back in June 2008 as a pilot scheme, and because of its success it was rolled-out across the Island in July 2009.

PCSO Iona Beckmann said: “Because of the hard work and effort of the staff at the Spar store, who contacted police after witnessing the man supply the alcohol to the youngsters, we were able to issue him with a fixed penalty ticket.

“This is the first ticket that has been issued in Benllech since the introduction of the Bottlewatch scheme. We have excellent co-operation from the local stores and this should serve as a warning to those who buy alcohol for youngsters.

“When we seize bottles and cans from youngsters, we will know where they have come from and can then carry out the necessary enquiries to locate who is responsible for the purchase.”

She added: “North Wales Police are committed to tackling under age drinking and tackling anti-social behaviour or other type of crime associated with under age drinking.”

Anyone with information regarding the supply of alcohol to under-aged youngsters is asked to contact a member of their local Neighbourhood Policing Team on 101, or 0845 607 1001 (Welsh line) or 0845 607 1002 (English line).

Alternatively send a text message to 66767 or email – northwalespolice@north-wales.police.uk