North Wales Police and the area's six county councils are launching  an alcohol enforcement campaign highlighting the realities of dealing with drunkenness and alcohol-related incidents.

The emphasis of the week long campaign from May 22 to May 29 will be on preventing crime and disorder, enforcing alcohol related legislation, reassuring the public about the work the Force, agencies and the industry is doing and encouraging sellers and consumers to take appropriate responsibility.

Neighbourhood policing teams, including special constables and PCSO's will be deployed in drinking hotspots, while there will be age ID checks, drug swabbing and drink-drive operations.

Some licensing teams will be working with partners to conduct test purchasing operations in shops and pubs and will visit problem venues.

There will also be fire safety checks at pubs and clubs and the use of anti-social behaviour dispersal notices, if necessary.

Misuse of alcohol can cause great harm to communities and is a drain on the emergency services and health and council resources.

Nationally nearly 50 per cent of all violent crime is alcohol related, nearly half of all domestic abuse incidents are linked to alcohol and excessive drinking severely increases your likelihood of committing a crime or becoming a victim of crime.

Chief Supt Jeremy Vaughansaid; "We do a huge amount of work to prevent alcohol related anti-social behaviour and crime. We advise people about keeping themselves safe and ensuring licensed businesses behave responsibly.

"We make a significant contribution to keeping our town centres  safe so people can enjoy a good night out, but  we must get the message across that people need to take greater responsibility for themselves and their friends to reduce the likelihood of them being injured,  becoming a victim,  or being involved in violence  through excessive drinking.

"People come to harm for many reasons due to alcohol excess and the emergency services and local authorities are left picking up the pieces. The aim of the campaign is to ensure that those who have a role in both consuming and selling alcohol need to take responsibility for their actions.

"During this week's operation North Wales Police will be ensure in that pubs, clubs, shops and   drinkers are obeying the law. Those who don't will be dealt with robustly.  The message is simple - think safe, drink safe."

Stuart Millington, Senior Fire Safety Manager, said: "This initiative is another great way of working in partnership with our colleagues at North Wales Police and local authorities. All organisations will be able to give their advice together at a number of different campsites. Our main advice is not to cook under the influence of alcohol when you are camping in a tent or a caravan and to ensure that all barbeques are disposed of correctly."

Wrexham: Cllr Hugh Jones Lead Member for Communities, Partnership and Collaboration , Wrexham County Borough Council;  "Wrexham Council are pleased to work with the police and Community Safety partners on this alcohol enforcement campaign . Our aim is to promote responsible licensed trade management and encourage people to drink sensibly. Alcohol misuse is closely linked with a wide range of crimes and anti-social behaviour, by working  with partners we aim to prevent and reduce alcohol fuelled anti-social behaviour and violent crime ensuring that people can come into Wrexham to enjoy socialising in a safe environment."

Flintshire:Councillor Kevin Jones, Flintshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Waste Strategy, Public Protection and Leisure, said; "Flintshire County Council is fully behind this campaign. The council licenses all premises that sell alcohol in the county, and we often work in partnership with North Wales Police and other authorities to raise awareness around the issues of alcohol abuse and excessive alcohol consumption.  With the summer months soon upon us, we would also like to remind everyone to drink sensibly during the summer barbecue and party season."

Denbighshire:Councillor David Smith, Denbighshire's Cabinet Lead Member with responsibility for Public Protection said: "I welcome this initiative as it shows partnership working at its best.  We all have a role to play in protecting the safety of our residents through reducing anti-social behaviour and its associated problems. "We hope that the operation encourages people to consider the consequences of their actions."

Conwy:Councillor Philip Evans, Conwy Council's Cabinet Member for Regulation, said: "As part of the campaign Conwy's Trading Standards & Licensing team have organised training sessions for staff employed at licensed premises.  The team will also be making evening visits to licensed premises with North Wales Police to offer information and advice