Changes To Alcohol Sales In Weymouth

3 October 2013, 07:44 | Updated: 3 October 2013, 07:48

Shops in Weymouth are being asked to stop selling lager and cider stronger than 6.5 percent.

The council reckon it will reduce anti-social behaviour by problem lone-drinkers and youngsters getting drunk before a night out. 

Councillor Geoff Petherick says they've made a good start: 

''We've got seven shops that are prepared to assist us in this exercise. 

''At some stage we're hoping that the local supermarkets will join in with the campaign. 

''We have a particular issue with some of the lone drinkers, so what we're trying to do is put a stop to that as it affects the night time economy as well.

Statistics show that there were 385 incidents of alcohol-related anti-social behaviour between July 2012 and July 2013 within the town centre. 

Tim Beals, owner of Beals Newsagent on Dorchester Road, said: 

''When we sold super-strength ciders we would often have problems with some of the customers who purchased that sort of drink. 

''They would often loiter outside and intimidate staff and other customers. 

''Since we stopped selling it our client base has improved and my staff feel a lot safer.''