Alcohol ban plan to cut trouble
2:59pm Monday 1st September 2008
Measures to stop people drinking alcohol in public in Abingdon look more likely, after police linked almost half of all incidents of bad behaviour to drink.
Public consultation will start this week into the Abingdon Designated Public Places Order, which will give police the power to arrest anyone who refuses to stop drinking.
The consultation will run until September 25, although the police and council expect the move to go ahead.
According to the police, 43 per cent of nuisance incidents - including criminal damage and public order offences - in the town were linked to alcohol.
If implemented, the order would mean officers could confiscate alcohol if someone was acting antisocially.
Current laws mean that police cannot do this if the alcohol is in a sealed container. Simply drinking in a public place will not be an offence.
Acting Chief Inspector Matt Bullivant, of Thames Valley Police, said: "Measures put in place that assist the police in tackling and reducing incidents of antisocial behaviour and alcohol-related crime are welcome.
"A key part of neighbourhood policing is to ensure that we respond to the needs of the community, and such an order will ensure that the police can swiftly respond to reported incidents of antisocial behaviour."
Thames Valley Police asked the Vale of White Horse District Council to implement the order.
Richard Webber, the council's executive member for community safety, said: "We want Abingdon to be a vibrant town and a place where people can enjoy spending time relaxing and socialising.
"This order will enhance that and is nothing to worry about if your enjoyment isn't at the cost of someone else's."
Julie Mayhew-Archer, deputy leader of Abingdon Town Council, added: "This is a sensible ban on antisocial behaviour caused by alcohol, not a ban on drinking alcohol.
"The council welcomes the decision to make the designated area the whole of the town, not just parts of it."