Suffolk Coastal has
been working with local town and parish councils and the
Suffolk Coastal Community Safety Partnership to introduce
designation 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, designation orders have been introduced
in parts of Leiston, Woodbridge, Felixstowe, Framlingham, Kesgrave,
Martlesham and Rushmere St Andrew.
In February this year, people were asked to give their
views on plans to introduce designation orders in parts of Wickham
Market, Saxmundham and Kelsale-cum-Carlton.
The Council also asked for views on changes to the
existing designated areas in Felixstowe, particularly along the
seafront.
The results of the consultations were reported back to
councillors prior to them making a decision on whether to proceed
with the orders. A meeting of the Council's Cabinet on 3 June gave
its go-ahead to the proposals and these were officially backed by
Full Council on 26 June. The orders came into force on 18 August
2008.
Alcohol designation orders
The designation orders have been made under Section 13 of the
Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 and the Local Authorities
(Alcohol Consumption in Designated Public Places) Regulations 2001,
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.
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 give the police additional powers to tackle the minority
who act in an anti-social measure after having too much to
drink.