Stokes Croft local beat officers have brokered  an apparently voluntary agreement with the six independent retailers of  alcohol in Stokes Croft to ban sales of  beers and cider with an alcoholic content of more than 6%. The idea is to banish drinks such as White Ace Cider, whose primary selling point is to deliver the most alcohol for the cheapest price, from the Croft.

Mike , Tony and Little Dave with  white Ace and Banksy… Tony’s internal organs are disintegrating. Currently, he defecates through his stomach into a bag. Little Davew is currently in detox for the third time in the last twelve months…

This will obviously have a direct effect on the street drinkers… Local retailers have agreed to trial this scheme, but are concerned that the ban will do nothing more than divert trade to shops on Ashley Road and a little further afield. It is understood that the Police intend to extend the change in licensing conditions more widely with the shortest delay, so that local traders do not suffer loss of business to other shops just outside Stokes Croft. Interestingly, Dragon Stout with an ABV of 7.5% will not be included in the ban, as a concession to the West Indian community.