LABOUR will guarantee at least two alcohol-free zones for every ward in Cardiff if it wins the council election in May, it announced today.

The party’s plan aims to combat underage drinking and anti-social behaviour in Cardiff’s residential areas. Speaking at the launch of the policy, Labour deputy group leader Sophie Howe slammed the Liberal Democrat administration for not doing enough to tackle drink-related problems.

She said the Liberal Democrats had even attempted to cut the trading standards budget, essential in tackling underage drinking.

SOPHIE HOWE said:

“Top priority for the people of Cardiff is dealing with anti-social behaviour. We know this because we have listened to local people, conducted extensive survey work and held comprehensive surgeries across the city.

“People are fed up with drinkers causing problems and distress in our communities by drinking openly in public. They intimidate local residents and vandalise communities. This has got to end.

“It is time to clamp down on this kind of anti-social behaviour. That is why, if Labour wins control of the council in May we will enforce at least two booze-free zones in every ward in Cardiff.

“The police want more alcohol-free zones so that they can have the powers to do their job properly. The Liberal Democrats have not delivered on tackling anti-social behaviour in Cardiff and their plans for tackling drinking fall woefully short of what is required and what the people demand.

“It is only days since the Lib Dems attempted to cut the budget for the city’s trading standards – and it was only Labour campaigning that had the money reinstated.”

Canton councillor RAMESH PATEL said:

“What the Liberal Democrats have failed to realise is that public drinking is not an issue confined to the city centre. It is a problem in almost every ward in Cardiff.

“In my ward I have been asking for alcohol-free zones for months. But the Liberal Democrats have not responded.

“The city needs Labour back in control to take the tough action needed.”