Police propose new powers to ban drinking in Bideford
POLICE will be able to crack down even more on anti-social behaviour and confiscate opened bottles or cans of alcohol under the terms of a proposed new Order setting up an Alcohol Exclusion Zone in central Bideford. The Order, proposed for an area consist
POLICE will be able to crack down even more on anti-social behaviour and confiscate opened bottles or cans of alcohol under the terms of a proposed new Order setting up an Alcohol Exclusion Zone in central Bideford.
The Order, proposed for an area consisting of Victoria Park, King George V Playing Fields, the Quay Car Park and Landivisiau Walk will not totally ban drinking, but will give police extra powers to deal with drink-related incidents, including anti-social behaviour and other public nuisance problems.
In these locations the police will be able to require a person not to consume alcohol and they may also require the surrender of opened containers of such liquor. Failure to comply will be an arrestable offence.
Councillor Phil Pennington, Torridge's Lead Member Older People, said, "No one is saying that people can't sit down in Victoria Park and enjoy a drink, but what we are concerned about is anti-social behaviour as a result of alcohol consumption.
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"Some residents, especially the elderly and those with young children, can easily feel threatened by such behaviour and it is that which we hope this new Order will help to eradicate."
Sgt Simon Bassett of the Bideford Police Neighbourhood Beat Team said, "This is a really useful extra tool for the police.
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"The Neighbourhood Beat Officers, PCSOs and Response Teams will be able to use this power where it is needed to tackle those who may be consuming alcohol and acting in a way that impacts upon other people's quality of life.
"This is another good example of how the police and the council are working together to reduce anti-social behaviour in our community."
Any person wishing to view the draft Order may do so at Torridge District Council offices at Riverbank House.
Those who wish to comment on it must do so in writing no later than June 17, addressing this for the attention of the council's legal department.
