Police believe the scheme, which deters customers from coming into shops, will help deal with shop staff concerns about under-age youngsters hanging around shops trying to buy alcohol.

Officers aim to launch the scheme early next year in Wallsend and Howdon and have invited off-licence managers and licensees to a meeting
at Wallsend Town Hall on Monday, December 15 to discuss the plans.

They will be given more information from the North Tyneside Local
Authority Licensing Officer, Trading Standards and local police officers.

Wallsend Neighbourhood Inspector Mick Todd said:"There is concern in our community at the ease at which underage youths can get access to cheap alcohol and a demand that we all do something about it.

"That's why neighbourhood officers, the local authority, trading standards officers and the community all want to stand behind our local shop keepers and support them.

"This scheme will help us reduce underage drinking on the street which will benefit the entire community. These youngsters will also benefit as they will be offered alternative activities provided by The Wallsend
Boys Club and youth services."

Officer believe this scheme, similar to Pub Watch, will help support the off-licence trade and lead to a reduction in incidents around stores. Officers already make weekly visits to shops to talk to staff and offer advice. This scheme is the next step forward.

Off-Watch schemes have been successfully set up in other areas of Northumbria and help reduce disorder.