Top cop backs Lib Dem plans to stop anti-social drinking
February 16, 2006 4:14 PM
Lib Dem plans to give police more powers to stop anti-social street drinking across Southwark have been given the backing of the Borough Commander, Chief Superintendent Ian Thomas.
On Tuesday night Southwark's Lib Dem Executive agreed to start the consultation on a borough-wide Designated Public Places Order (DPPO), more widely known as an 'alcohol control zone'. Det. Supt. Ian Thomas gave the plans his full support, pointing out that two-thirds to three-quarters of the borough already suffers the nuisance of street drinking.
Councillor Nick Stanton with community wardens who will help to enforce the alcohol control order
The DPPO would allow police and community wardens to confiscate alcohol if they are concerned about the behaviour of individuals, but would not generally make the consumption of alcohol in the area an offence, meaning events such as the World Cup can still be celebrated fully.
A borough-wide Order also allows the police to target specific areas within the zone without dispersing the problems to other areas.
Commenting, Cllr Nick Stanton, Lib Dem Leader of Southwark, said: Street drinking is a serious problem not only for those involved, but also for the local community who have to suffer the consequences. The team in Camberwell have made huge progress in reducing the number of street drinkers in the area and helping them into treatment, and it is vital that progress is maintained. Our plans will help the police deal with anti-social street drinking much more effectively, while allowing people to enjoy sociable drinking. I am delighted that the Borough Commander is supporting us.
"By pushing for a control zone just in a part of Camberwell, Labour is ignoring the emerging problems in the rest of the borough and completely missing the point that this approach would simply disperse the problem into the neighbouring community. We have learned from other boroughs and are confident that a borough-wide alcohol control zone will tackle the problem for the long term."
Notes to Editors
§ Support from the Borough Commander marks the first stage of the consultation process.
§ The rest of the formal process will take a minimum of 28 days following the publication of notices. The final decision will be taken by Council Assembly.
§ The Mint Street area of Southwark is already suffering the effects of dispersal from a targeted area in Lambeth, so thorough consultation with neighbouring boroughs will need to be undertaken.
§ Southwark's wardens are currently undergoing accreditation training to be able to use the new powers.
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