A number of pubs and clubs in Weymouth town centre have voluntarily agreed to stop the sale of alcohol at 5am.
Seven licensed premises have already signed up to the pilot early morning closure scheme.
It aims to prevent the cross-over between night-time revellers leaving pubs and clubs, and families wanting to enjoy the seafront in the early morning.
The scheme also hopes to reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents as well as reducing the impact on the daytime and tourist activities.
Weymouth & Portland Borough Council has been working in partnership with Dorset Police and Public Health Dorset to introduce the scheme.
The borough council is responsible for issuing licences for premises to sell alcohol in Weymouth and Portland.
Cllr Geoff Petherick, Brief Holder for Community Safety at Weymouth & Portland Borough Council, said: “We are very pleased that seven premises have signed up voluntarily to the scheme.
“This represents an important step forward in our aims to prevent anti-social behaviour in the town centre at night, yet keep the balance with ensuring our night time economy remains vibrant.”
Pubs and clubs in the scheme are expected to finish alcohol sales by 5am and have their premises cleared by 5.15am.
Premises that have signed up so far include: The Nook, The Lazy Lizard, Actors, Dolce Vita, Goldfingers, Dusk, Tuatara-Bar/The Closet.
Acting Inspector Neil Wood of Weymouth Police, said: “ This is a really positive move for Weymouth and gives a clear break between where the night time economy ends, and the day time economy starts- this will reduce crime and the fear of crime in Weymouth.”
The pilot scheme will operate fromJanuary 2014for an initial six months before being evaluated as to whether it could be rolled out permanently.
For more information contact Cllr Geoff Petherick on 01305 837499.
Issued by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council communications team, 01305 838302.
Public Health Dorset is a partnership of Bournemouth Borough Council, Borough of Poole, and Dorset County Council.
