A NEW scheme has been launched to deal with alcohol-related offences in Dorset.

Police say that the Alcohol Diversion Scheme will mean that offenders issued with a Penalty Notice for Disorder (PND) can attend a half-day educational course.

Provided the individual attends and completes the course, the original PND will be cancelled.

The course covers a number of subjects relating to alcohol, including health management, consequences and ways forward for individuals to address their problems.

Courses will cost £40 and every recipient of an alcohol-related PND can apply for the course.

Examples of PND offences include drunk and disorderly, Public Order Act offences and low-level thefts and damage where alcohol is the contributing factor.

The scheme is led by Dorset Police, in partnership with local authorities.

Registered charity Druglink will deliver the courses at sites in Bournemouth, Poole and Weymouth.

Acting Inspector Steve Lyne said: “This is a scheme which has been used in other parts of the country to great effect.

“The principle behind it is to divert individuals away from trouble at an early stage.

“It is part of our continued commitment to reduce the number of alcohol-related incidents in our town centres.

“We have had great support from our partners, licensed premises and the public so far and this provides an opportunity to reduce reoffending and therefore further reduce alcohol-related crime and incidents.”