A NEW scheme has been launched to help reduce crime and disorder in Rhyl.

Time for Home Rhyl scheme is a joint initiative between Denbighshire County Council (DCC) and North Wales Police, which sees licensees encouraged to not serve people who have had too much to drink.

North Wales Police inspector Arwyn Jones said: "Time for Home Rhyl is about us working really closely with the licensees, those on 'Pub Watch' and the local authority to ensure Rhyl town centre continues to be a safe a vibrant place to come out.

"It's about getting licensees on board, to ensure they are not serving people once they've had enough, complying with their licensing conditions and helping reduce crime and disorder in the town centre.

"Rhyl is a safe place to come for a night out. We just want to make sure it is even safer and people feel even more welcome when they come out to Rhyl."

Cllr Tony Thomas, lead member for housing, regulation and the environment at DCC said it was a great partnership and initiative for Rhyl.

He said Rhyl was on the up with a number of developers coming into the town and Insp Jones said the police were thrilled to be playing their part in the regeneration of the town.

He said: "This is part a broader part of the regeneration of Rhyl; significant amount of money been placed in Rhyl and there are a significant amount of new businesses coming to Rhyl town centre – and this is us playing our part working in partnership to ensure that continues."

Wetherspoon's licensee Deborah Bridge said she believed it was a good scheme and sent a positive message to the town. 

While the scheme has only been launched in Rhyl at the moment, it is set to be extended to surrounding areas if it proves successful.