UNDERAGE drinkers and anti-social behaviour are the targets of a new wristband campaign being introduced by police in Stowmarket.The scheme will be operating in all licensed premises in the town that are signed up to the Pub Watch scheme and should mean less hassle for people on nights out.

UNDERAGE drinkers and anti-social behaviour are the targets of a new wristband campaign being introduced by police in Stowmarket.

The scheme will be operating in all licensed premises in the town that are signed up to the Pub Watch scheme and should mean less hassle for people on nights out.

Anyone who looks under the age of 21 will be asked to produce ID before they are allowed in to pubs or clubs and will then be given a wristband to wear for the rest of the evening.

They can then move to other premises that have signed up to the scheme without being challenged for ID every time.

The scheme was trialled in parts of west Suffolk earlier in the year and will now be rolled out in to Stowmarket, Newmarket and Bury St Edmunds.

Superintendent Jon Brighton, operation manager for west Suffolk police, said: “We received some very positive feedback earlier in the year from licensees, the public and younger looking drinkers so we anticipate that rolling out the scheme will be a great success.

“We want to ensure that everyone enjoys the facilities in our towns in a sensible and safe environment.

“This is just one of the many projects that Suffolk police is undertaking to ensure the minority do not spoil things for the majority during the festive season.”

The campaign will start on December 5 and run until January 15.