Changes are being proposed to update the drinking byelaw in Bury St Edmunds, which could mean that the police will have additional discretionary powers to confiscate alcohol in public places.
The current byelaw makes it an offence to continue drinking alcohol in a number of places in Bury St Edmunds town centre if a police officer asks you to stop. The new designation order would allow the police to take this a step further; to take away and dispose of alcohol (both sealed and opened containers) where they reasonably believe a person is, has been or intends to drink. If introduced, the confiscation power would apply to the same area as the existing ban – the central area of Bury St Edmunds. It would not affect properly licensed areas outside pubs and cafes.
A request to update the drinking byelaw came about following consultation with the police, to give them additional discretionary powers to confiscate alcohol from people who are drinking in town centre areas and causing public annoyance or antisocial behaviour.
If a person continues to drink alcohol in the area after the police have asked them to stop, they are liable, on conviction, to a maximum fine of £500. A person may also be arrested if they fail to surrender the drink to the police.
Cllr Frank Warby, Portfolio Holder for Housing, Health and Crime at St Edmundsbury said:
“It must be stressed that Bury St Edmunds does not have an overwhelming problem with drinking related anti-social behaviour. The designation order would simply extend existing police powers, to move on the small number of people who are drinking and may be causing a nuisance in public places.”
Consultation is currently being carried out with a range of individuals and organisations including businesses, the police, public landowners, Bury Town Council and the Chamber of Commerce.
We are also keen to seek the publics views on this, in particular what people think about the additional confiscation powers and which of the town centre areas would most benefit from it. The results of the consultation process will be reported to Cabinet for consideration on 21 September and then to Full Council for a decision. If approved by Full Council, it is anticipated that the designation order will come into force before Christmas.
Please send comments to Joy Bowes, Head of Legal Services, St Edmundsbury Borough Council, Borough Offices, Angel Hill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, IP33 1XB. Alternatively email legal.services@stedsbc.gov.uk, by Friday 9 September 2005.
ENDS
Notes to editors
· The designation order comes under section 13(2) of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.
· A list of all the areas and streets covered by the drinking byelaw/designation order is available on request
ISSUED BY MARIA STAFF, COMMUNICATIONS UNIT, ST EDMUNDSBURY BOROUGH COUNCIL. Tel 01284 757033. maria.staff@stedsbc.gov.uk
