Under age drinking and alcohol misuse are the key factors in both anti-social behaviour and violent crime in Chiswick. 

This week will see Chiswick Police launch their Alcohol Misuse Enforcement Campaign (AMEC) which they will operate during every weekend on the run-up to Christmas, in tandem with other operations focusing on violent crime. 

The main aims of the operations will be to provide public reassurance and increased confidence in Police, to reduce violent crime and disorder, identify breach's of licensing law at local licensed premises and impact on levels of anti-social behaviour.

Home Secretary, Charles Clark, today launched a post campaign targeting drunken behaviour.  Posters that warn "get drunk and disorderly, get arrested, get an £80 fine", including one with £80 spelt out in vomit.

These new stringent measures come just before a new law that could allow 24-hour drinking. Licensed premises can apply to extend their opening hours beyond 11pm from Thursday 24th November and potentially to allow 24-hour drinking in some cases. The Government claims that the Licensing Act will enable the authorities to close down pubs more easily, install CCTV, bring in new management or reduce licensing hours.  However, critics believe the new law will only serve to increase drunken disorder, a belief the government refutes.

In addition to increased Police presence in Chiswick town centre, a "Christmas crackdown" on pubs, shops and supermarkets that sell alcohol to underage drinkers will also be enforced.  Under the new action plan spot-checks will be carried out establishments by council officers and undercover police cadets. If a trader is seen to be in breach of licensing laws, they will be fined.