http://www.kent.police.uk/news/latest_news/130702_alcohol.html
Have just spent 10 minutes talking to our local corner shop owner and he has made some interesting observations.
In the 18 months leading up to being 'coerced' into signing up for this policy, he and his wife didn't suffer abuse or threats from our local alcoholics, however, in the time since, both of them have suffered verbal abuse, threats and attempted physical abuse.
They now have to ring the Police on a regular basis, whether they turn up, or turn up in good time varies - meanwhile they are left to face the flak and the threat of violence.
He feels that he was coerced into signing the agreement but won't expand any more on the subject - did Dover Town Council/DPAC/Police intimate that renewal (or continuation) of his licence may be looked at unfavourably?
It would appear that instead of tackling the problem of drunks head on, the authorities have 'passed the buck' to local businesses, whilst restricting trade at the same time.
The answer, of course, is far simpler - bring back the Drunk Tank or, better still, the Workhouse