Reducing the Strength
The Reducing the Strength scheme was launched within Stockton Town Centre on 25 September 2025. The scheme is a voluntary agreement between the local Licensing Authority and off-licence premises within the targeted area that beer, lager and cider above 6.5% will not be sold.
The scheme has been implemented following serious concerns around crime and anti-social behaviour (ASB) being directly linked to mainly high strength cider, which is often sold at a low cost and consumed in large quantities by individuals, contributing to public disorder and safety issues in the area.
The objectives of the scheme are:
- reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour directly linked to alcohol reported by the public and partner agencies
- reduce incidents of anti-social behaviour directly linked to alcohol by Civic Enforcement Officers
- reduce alcohol related breaches of the Public Spaces Protection Orders (PSPOs) in Stockton-on-Tees (PSPO) identified by Civic Enforcement Officers
- reduce alcohol related licensing service requests
- contribute to the Council plan and vision
The premises who are currently part of the scheme include:
- Addison Newsagents - 102 to 104 Church Road, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1TW
- Pickwicks (formerly D&S News) - 8 High Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1UB
- Iceland - Wellington Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1NH
- B&M Stores - 139 to 139A High Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LW
- Heron Foods - Unit 13 Wellington Square, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1NA
- Savers - 7 Wellington Square, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1RG
- Yarm Lane Convenience Store - 53 Yarm Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3DL
- Quick News - 101 High Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1BD
- Fani Vapes - 49 to 51 Yarm Lane, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 3DL
- Premier Yarm Lane Mini Market - 78 Yarm Lane, Stockton-On-Tees, TS18 1EW
Dhillon Food & Wine - 68 Dovecot Street, Stockton-on-Tees, TS18 1LL
To join the scheme or report any issues related to the scheme please email licensing@stockton.gov.uk.
