Pembrokeshire is among 20 areas across England and Wales where Local Alcohol Action Areas (LAAAs) are to be set up.

LAAAs will see local agencies, including licensing authorities, health bodies and the police, work in partnership with businesses and other organisations to address the harm caused by alcohol.

Alcohol-related crime and disorder costs an estimated £11 billion per year in England and Wales, and the Government wants to support local communities in reducing the scenes of drunkenness and violence that blight communities, particularly at night.

Pembrokeshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Environmental and Regulatory Services, Councillor Huw George, said that along with its partners – Dyfed-Powys Police and the Hywel Dda University Health Board – the Authority was pleased to have been chosen.

He said: “The Council’s Licensing Team, the Police and Health Board have established an effective working relationship with the licensing industry and others in Pembrokeshire to lessen the burden of health-related alcohol harm.

“We have been able to do this while still promoting a vibrant and safe night-time economy and we look forward to pursuing this across Pembrokeshire to promote responsible alcohol use.”

Each action area will receive support and expertise from the Home Office, the Department of Health, the Welsh Government, Public Health England and Public Health Wales.

The project will run until March 2015, and this will be followed by a period of review and reporting. A final report will be published in June 2015.