Alcohol campaigns: South Yorks, Brighton, Devon, Dereham

• On Monday 11 December 2006 a 12-day campaign began to reduce crime in South Yorkshire, particularly street crime, burglary, vehicle crime, drugs related crime and violence in the night time economy. South Yorkshire Police are aiming to target offenders whose criminal activities ruin people's Christmas. IMPACT, is a series of highly visible, high profile operations to catch criminals and help reduce the fear of crime in our communities. The aim of South Yorkshire Police's campaign is to make a real difference in the community and protect the people of South Yorkshire's Christmas.  South Yorkshire Police  Interestingly, South Yorks Police are podcasting   (See  also the Alcohol Policy UK podcast)

• Tonight in Brighton, street performers will be amusing crowds, security guards will be roaming the streets and a church will be transformed into a field hospital. All these schemes have been launched in response to the rise of binge drinking in Brighton and Hove.  The Argus  Previous posts about field hospitals; check also our podcast featuring Brighton PCT's alcohol lead Gavin Bryce.

• Sales of alcohol to underage drinkers will again be targeted by Devon County Council trading standards officers in the run up to Christmas. The team has launched its festive campaign of test purchasing operations targeted at the illegal sale of alcohol to under-18s. The launch coincided with Safer Devon Partnership's Christmas Alcohol Campaign, which delivers the "Think Safe Drink Safe" message. Mid Devon Star

• Festive revellers have been warned they could be hit with a fine of up to £500 if they breach an alcohol ban in parts of Dereham. The town has a range of public areas where booze cannot be drunk. New signs and thousands of promotional beer mats have been produced, to mark the launch of an awareness campaign by Breckland Council, Dereham Police Safer Neighbourhood Team and other members of the town's Local Area Action Group to highlight the zones and the crackdown on anti-social behaviour.  EDP24