Plans to clamp down on alcohol related nuisance in Colchester

People drinking alcohol and causing public disorder in Colchester town centre could be dealt with more strictly in the future under plans being considered by Colchester Borough Council.

Colchester Borough Council is considering using powers under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 to make a "Designated Public Places Order"
covering parts of the Castle and New Town wards of the borough.

Such an Order would make it an offence for anyone to drink alcohol after being asked by a Police Officer not to do so. It also provides powers for the Police to confiscate and dispose of alcohol in any person's possession and arrest them if they fail, without reasonable excuse, to comply with the Officer's request.

Councillor Margaret Kimberley, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhoods, said:
"This approach has been suggested by the Police following a number of drink related incidents in Colchester town centre. An Order can not be made unless there is sufficient evidence to show that it is warranted."

"It is vital that all visitors, residents and businesses are able to enjoy the benefits of our vibrant town centre without having to endure the disorder and behaviour of people intoxicated by alcohol.

Peter Carrington, Community Safety Co-ordinator, Colchester Borough Council,
said: "Such an Order does not mean a total ban on outdoor drinking, and anyone doing so without causing any trouble has nothing whatsoever to worry about and will not impact on licensees."

The public, licencees, local businesses and residents are being invited to have their say on the proposal. If you would like to comment please come along to the council's Customer Service Centre in the High Street, Central Library in Trinity Square, and at the Colchester Police Station on Southway, where copies of the draft Order and consultation letter as well as an accompanying map and a list of road names will be available.

Alternatively you can also visit www.colchester.gov.uk/dppo 

Any representations received by the community safety co-ordinator will be considered by the Council before it makes a final decision on whether to proceed with formally making the Order.

END

Press release issued August 18th 2006