Hundreds of publicans join fight against alcohol-related disorder

Around 250 licensees will gather under one roof today to discuss ways of combating alcohol-related disorder.

Publicans will be joined by police, licensing officers, John McNamara, chief executive of the BII, and Shepherd Neame managing director Jonathan Neame at the Taking Action Together seminar at the Rochester Corn Exchange.

The Home Office-funded scheme has been organised to find ways of making going out in Medway safer.

Inspector Peter Raggers of Rotterdam Police is among the speakers and he will be talking about how the issue has been addressed in Holland.

Chief Inspector Des Keers, event coordinator, said: "The police, council and Safer Medway Partnership have already worked hard to make our town centres a safe and fun place to go out. In the last year alone we have slashed violent crime by around a quarter.

"We want to build on this good work by including breweries and owners of pubs, restaurants, nightclubs supermarkets and independent stores.

"The seminar, which is the first of its kind nationally, will help us champion new ideas and forge best practice in our bid to build safer and stronger communities, while still ensuring Medway is a great place to socialise."

Chris Webb, licensing manager at Medway Council added: "Taking Action Together will provide an excellent opportunity to further promote safer socialising.

The seminar has been organised as part of the government's National Alcohol Strategy. Kent Police in Medway received Home Office funding in autumn 2007 to pioneer ways to combat alcohol-related crime.