CONTROLLED DRINKING ZONE FOR NEW ADDINGTON
| Published: 3rd March 2008 20:24 |
Similar to the restrictions placed on central Croydon and South Norwood, the ban would limit the consumption of alcohol within a designated public area, notably Central Parade where street drinkers gather and cause nuisance.
The proposed zone covers the whole of the Central Parade area; from the New Addington tram stop in the north to St Edward's Church in the south, and from shops to the east through to Chertsey Crescent on the west.
Under the powers set down in the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, local authorities have the ability to impose such bans where there is a nuisance or annoyance being caused to members of the public as a result of alcohol consumption.
Enforcement of the ban is carried out by the police who can request a person to stop drinking or surrender their drink to be disposed of in the ‘dry zone'. Failure to do so is a criminal offence and can lead to arrest or the issuing of a fixed penalty fine of £50.
The move comes following complaints from local residents and businesses who were concerned about levels of antisocial behaviour and crime in the area.
A public consultation will take place prior to the CDZ being implemented. It has the backing of the council, the police and many residents, business and community representatives.
Cllr Steve O'Connell, deputy leader and cabinet member for safety and cohesion, said: "Groups of rowdy and intoxicated street drinkers can be intimidating to the average passer-by and incidents of antisocial behaviour, however small, have a detrimental effect on the local community. We are not seeking to stop people drinking socially such as outdoor bars and restaurant but simply aiming to deter the small minority of people who cause a nuisance to others."
Acting Borough Commander Dave Stringer said " We fully welcome the local authority's proposed robust approach to tackling this problem, supported by the local New Addington Safer Neighbourhood team. Previous bans such as the one in South Norwood have been successful and can only help to reduce crime and improve the quality of life for those in the area".
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