Newquay Safe has issued a warning about underage drinking as students celebrate the end of the exams.
The Safer Cornwall partnership, made up of Cornwall Council, Devon and Cornwall Police, Newquay BID and other agencies, is deterring under 18s from consuming alcohol in the town.
Operation Exodus is the police and partnership operation designed to manage the influx of school leavers arriving in Newquay during the first two weeks of July.
The scheme has been running for over a decade in conjunction with nightclubs and campsites which have previously put on under-18s entertainment and activities during July.
But this summer Newquay Safe is informing parents and carers that there are no evening events planned specifically for young people aged under 18 in the town.
Inspector Dave Meredith from Devon and Cornwall Police said: “We recognise that post-GCSE students have always been attracted to the town, so our position has been to responsibly manage them and ensure their safeguarding is treated as a priority.
“Over the past 10 years Newquay has evolved to be a more family-orientated resort with a reduced emphasis on the night-time economy. Over the past few years this positive evolution has resulted in reduced numbers of young people visiting the town after their GCSE exams.
“Businesses within the town’s night-time economy have recognised this change in customer dynamics and have re-focused their operating practices towards customers who are over 18.”
Rob Nolan, Portfolio Holder for the Environment and Public Protection for Cornwall Council, said: “The partners of Newquay Safe have been working to address concerns to do with young people visiting Newquay following the exam period. There are no under 18 events running this year in Newquay so we are advising parents and carers to be aware of this.
“We encourage accommodation providers to be mindful of their safeguarding responsibilities and support the partnership with raising any concerns.
“Newquay is a family town with outdoor activities, wonderful beaches and green open spaces for all to enjoy.”
Newquay Safe has been operating for nearly 10 years and was one of the first community safety partnerships in the country.
It has strong relations with businesses, voluntary groups and statutory partners to prioritise the safety of young people.
Businesses and the public are being reminded to report any criminal offences or community safety issues to the correct agencies.
You can report anti-social behaviour to Cornwall Council’s Anti-social Behaviour Team on 0300 1234 232 or at antisocialbehaviour@cornwall.gov.uk
If the threat is causing immediate danger call 999.
More information is available at https://safercornwall.co.uk/safer-towns/newquay/
