Aquatique Surf Shop manager Sarah Aldous, who took part in the trial, said the idea had a lot to offer local businesses and shoppers.

“We trialled it in February and what that meant was keeping a record of incidents we had with young people in our stores,” she said.

“It also meant our staff were shown some techniques for approaching and dealing with people who might be doing the wrong thing in the store.

“The behaviour we look out for could be swearing, speaking rudely to staff or stealing.

“This was a great tool for our staff to use,” she said.

Ms Aldous said the store recorded incidents before and after the 10-week trial but not during.

The protocol offers a set of guidelines for people to follow in the Nowra CBD and at Stockland Nowra.

It aims to ensure people feel safe and welcome in the town.

The program outlines what behaviour is unacceptable and what the consequences are for antisocial behaviour.

The protocol is the result of a nine-month collaboration between community youth groups, businesses, council, police and young people.

It was launched at Stockland Nowra and has been trialled at a number of Nowra businesses.

Nowra CBD Promotions Committee manager Jennifer Stewart said the protocol was not about giving youth a hard time but about letting them know what was expected of them in public spaces and local shops.

“It is about local business people building relationships with their young customers, not looking at them like they’re up to something.”