POLICE have asked pub and club owners in Denbighshire to help to keep the public safe ahead of the New Year celebrations.

The ‘Time for Home’ #timeforhome campaign was launched by North Wales Police in the summer with the aim of preventing alcohol fuelled violence and anti-social behaviour. It outlines the police's stance that drunken people must not be served in the pubs and clubs around the county.

On the Friday prior to Christmas Day, the north of the county in particular saw a number of arrests for violent alcohol-related disorder, officers being assaulted and two pubs having to close their doors early.

The police have made it clear that a repeat of such behaviour will not be tolerated and people can again expect a robust approach to any problems that arise.

Chief inspector Andrew Williams said: “I’ve been consistently clear on this. The reason for our approach is to encourage an environment where residents and visitors can happily go out and enjoy themselves without fear of becoming a victim of violent crime or witnessing the same. It is what most people want and I don’t think it’s too much to ask.”

“This is not about stopping people having fun; quite the contrary. I just don’t want anyone getting hurt, be that during the actual night out or afterwards when in a domestic setting because that is what excessive alcohol consumption all too frequently leads to.”

“In Rhyl in particular, there is a palpable sense of optimism developing that is both contagious and hugely encouraging. We will simply not allow that to be spoilt by those who think they can undermine it through antisocial behaviour.

“It is against the law for pub staff to serve alcohol to people who are drunk. There are no ‘ifs’ or ‘buts’; it is really simple and straightforward, so people should not expect to be served when they’ve had too much. I am hoping people take heed of this and enjoy a great start to 2019.”