WHILE the vast majority of licenced premises have been well run over the past year under-age drinking remains a problem.

This was the message in the annual police report presented to Tavistock Magistrates' licencing committee.

The report, delivered on behalf of Chief Inspector Chris Amos, district commander, said in an effort to create a greater quality of life, for both the residents of West Devon and youths concerned, operations had been mounted in Tavistock and Okehampton.

He said these were based on the original 'Jeopardy' which was launched in Okehampton in May 1996.

'This initiative again produced good results and a number of seizures of intoxicating liquor under the Confiscation of Alcohol (Young Persons) Act 1997 were made from young persons,' said Mr Amos's report.

'Such operations will continue as part of my crime strategy.'

Mr Amos said that the vast majority of the 253 premises within the licensing district holding a licence 'had been well run' and given little or no concern to the police.

Although some licensees have committed minor breaches of licensing laws and received suitable advice, Mr Amos was pleased to report none had been considered serious enough 'to warrant a warning letter'.

'And I have not had cause to initiate any revocation proceedings within your licencing division,' he said.

Mr Amos believed this year would be as equally challenging as the previous one.

'Crime reduction strategies are a key to the successful policing of our communities.

'You can be assured that the reduction of violent crime, often associated with a minority of our licensed premises allowing the over-indulgence of intoxicating liquor, will be a main feature in these strategies.'

He said although crime and violence has increased throughout the force area this was not reflected in the West Devon area as a whole.

'Tavistock area has experienced a rise of six offences of violent crime, this being counteracted by a reduction of such offences within the Okehampton area by seven.'

Mr Amos stated the rate of violent crime is down by 10 per cent to 3.2 violent crimes per 1000 head of the population in West Devon — one of the lowest rates across the Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

'I am sure the efforts of the licensees contribute to this excellent result and I congratulate them on their efforts. We must, however, continue to work together to ensure we continue this downward trend, which will not be easy.'

Mr Amos said the millennum New Year's Eve 'one-off' deregulation of permitted hours providing a 36-hour drinking period was a national event of major significance.

Mr Amos felt it may be a sensible option for the government to consider a similar proposal of deregulation for future New Year's Eve celebrations.

'Because, even with the perceived success of the extended licensing hours of Millennium Eve, I feel this, owing to its totally unique nature, has not provided a clear and useful benchmark for any future deregulation of permitted hours either in part or total.'

Mr Amos said the committee was due to review the proposed extension for the forthcoming New Year's Eve within this petty sessional area.

'It is my view that further consideration be given to the terminal hour, following consultation between interested parties.

'There has been no indication that the government intends to deregulate permitted hours for New Year's Eve 2000.'

Mr Amos said the force continues to support the view of total de-regulation of permitted hours.