Business licences

Alcohol Free Zones

An Alcohol Free Zone is established under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001, and specifically, Sections 12 to 16. This sets out powers for combating alcohol-related disorder by the way of locally approved Alcohol Free Zone Orders (the statutory term is “Alcohol Consumption in Designated Public Places Orders”). The powers following introduction of a Zone mean that the Police may require individuals to stop drinking alcohol immediately and the Police may remove alcohol drinks from problem drinkers in the street. In addition, where individuals do not comply with such requests they could be arrested and, upon conviction, fined up to a maximum of £500.

Before any area can be subject to an Alcohol Free Zone there must be evidence to meet the following tests:

Is there a problem with street drinking?
Would the new police powers assist in dealing with the problem?

In considering these tests, the Home Office have previously indicated that crime statistics should be available and examined for the previous 6 months and that this should show the extent of the problem and that it is greater than for other areas. By examination of the nature of the crimes concerned it should be able to say positively that the new powers can deal with the problems identified whereas existing police powers cannot.

In considering a possible Alcohol Free Zone, everyone should be aware that part of the policing of the problems associated with street drinkers means that the problems are both displaced and dispersed. Displacement of the problems, without dispersal, may actually have more of an impact on the lives of Borough citizens as the displacement may be from predominantly commercial areas to predominantly residential areas. In view of this, it is necessary to consider the extent to which there could be displacement following the implementation of the new police powers and measures to address this at the same time as any request for a Zone.

The Council’s powers under the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 are not a matter for the Executive and are the responsibility of the General Purposes Committee to submit any necessary recommendation to the full Council. The drafting of any order, the necessary statutory consultations, public notice costs and (eventually) metal signs all means that funding of new Zones would also need to be considered.

The views of Bedfordshire Police would be sought on any proposed Zone and also whether they have/will deploy the resources to enforce any such Zone.

Please click here to download specific details on the alcohol free zone for Bedford Town Centre

Bedford Town Centre Alcohol Consumption in Designated Public Places Order 2006 ( 324 Kb ) - DOWNLOAD

Licensing Act 2003
Licensing