POLICE officers joined MP Conor Burns at a Bournemouth nightclub last night for the launch of a new campaign targeting young drinkers.

The new scheme – dubbed the ‘community alcohol partnership, or CAP – aims to reduce trouble caused by young drinkers in the town.

It will generally target people aged under 25, although there will be a specific focus on underage drinkers.

To mark the launch, an event took place at Cameo in Fir Vale Road yesterday evening.

It was attended by Mr Burns, Superintendent Jared Parkin of Dorset Police and Kate Winstanley, the director of the CAP. First Position Dance Company performed twice for guests.

Supt Parkin, head of neighbourhood policing for Bournemouth, Poole and Christchurch, said the force “welcomes” the project.

“Police have been engaged in numerous operations to address underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in the neighbourhood,” he said.

“CAP’s mission and its processes will undoubtedly make a difference.”

The launch of the scheme will “complement” work that is already being undertaken in Bournemouth town centre, Supt Parkin said.

“It should help to maintain the reduction in reports of anti-social behaviour in the town centre,” he said.

As reported, Operation Fireglow sees police seize alcohol from underage people during busy times including summer holidays.

Councillor Lewis Allison, cabinet member for tourism, leisure and communities, said he is “delighted” with the scheme.

“There’s always concern about the levels of underage drinking and anti-social behaviour,” he said.

“The CAP action plan will aim to prevent young people damaging their health, development and opportunities, as well as reducing the impact on the wider community.”

If the initiative is a success, it could be rolled out in across the conurbation. The scheme is supported by Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council, Dorset Police, the Bournemouth Town Centre Business Improvement District, Town Watch and supermarkets including Tesco, Asda and Lidl.

Representatives are also working with local schools, and Oak Academy is one of its ‘key partners’. Other partners include the town centre pastors, Addaction and Public Health Dorset.

For information, visit communityalcoholpartnerships.co.uk