Suffolk Coastal has worked with local town and parish councils and
the Suffolk Coastal Community Safety Partnership to introduce
Designated Public Place Orders restricting the drinking of alcohol
in public places and giving the police extra powers to tackle
anti-social drinking.
Following consultation with the police, local landowners,
licensees and the public, Designated Public Place Orders have been
introduced in parts of Leiston, Woodbridge, Felixstowe,
Framlingham, Kesgrave, Martlesham, Rushmere St Andrew, Wickham
Market, Saxmundham and Kelsale-cum-Carlton.
What is a Designated Public Place Order?
Designated Public Place Orders are made under the Criminal
Justice and Police Act 2001 and the Local Authorities (Alcohol
Consumption in Designated Public Places) Regulations 2007, which
set out the procedures to be followed by local authorities in
designating public places for this purpose.
In the designated areas, which are marked by special signs, the
police have the power to require someone whose behaviour is deemed
to be anti-social to stop drinking the alcohol in their possession
and, if requested, hand over the drink. Failure to do so is an
arrestable offence, with a potential fine of up to £500 or fixed
penalty notice.
These orders are not intended as being a ban on everyone
drinking in these places, but it gives the police the authority to
take action against those who fuelled by alcohol are acting in an
anti-social manner.
Although this district is officially one of the safest in terms
of crime in the country, a substantial proportion of the crime and
disorder that does take place is linked to alcohol abuse. These
measures have been introduced to:
- Provide additional powers to police to deal with persistent
street drinking and alcohol related anti-social behaviour
- Reduce disturbances in public places which are alcohol
related.
- Reduce drunkenness in public places.
- Contribute to the range of actions which are being delivered to
reduce alcohol misuse.
- Reduce the numbers of street drinkers and hot spot areas
through combining enforcement with outreach services.
Our aim is to promote responsible drinking and to ensure that
residents, businesses and visitors are able to enjoy the benefits
of the vibrant Suffolk Coastal community without the risk or fear
of any nuisance or disorder caused by the behaviour of a few people
intoxicated by alcohol in public.
Further information on Designated Public Place Orders
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