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5 Oct 07New Lifeline For Poole’s Off Licences
Off-licences in Poole are testing a system aimed at tackling anti-social behaviour by customers.
Staff at two licensed stores in Poole will be able to immediately alert police using the ‘Lifeline System’ if they are abused or threatened by anti-social behaviour from customers who are refused the sale of alcohol.
The Poole Safe 
team is conducting a three-month trial of the system, which could be installed in other premises across Poole if it proves successful.
The Co-Op Welcome store in Oakdale and Bill's Wines in Blandford Road have agreed to work with Poole Safe to pilot the system. Both stores have experienced problems with anti-social behaviour and aggressive customers who were refused alcohol.
Staff at both stores will be able to call for police assistance by triggering the Lifeline system. When triggered, the system will alert police via Borough of Poole’s control centre and record and relay the conversation between staff and customers in the store. Staff in the control centre will also be able to alert the store and customers that police have been called to the scene.
The Lifeline system used in these premises is the same system used by vulnerable people living in their own homes i.e. the elderly or people with a disability.
Cllr John Rampton, Chairman of Borough Of Poole’s Licensing Committee, said: “We are committed to working with licensed premises to provide a safe environment for both customers and staff. I am confident the lifeline system will reduce incidents in these premises and shows our support to the trade and to residents in combating anti social behaviour, hate crimes, and offences under the Licensing Act.”
Hannah Jones, Police Licensing Officer for Poole, said: “Staff need to feel confident that they can refuse to sell alcohol when appropriate without fear of retribution. We are really pleased to be able to trial this scheme as the reassurance and safety of staff in licensed premises is paramount.”
Poole Safe is made up of representatives from Poole Police and Borough of Poole’s Environmental and Consumer Protection Services. The team aims to reduce incidents of alcohol related crime and disorder through close partnership with local alcohol retailers and other relevant groups.
Licensed premises in Poole work hard to comply with the Licensing Act 2003 and ensure they do not sell alcohol to those customers who are under-age, are unable to provide ID, are drunk or are purchasing alcohol for a person under 18.
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