Police and police community support officers (PCSOs) will be using new powers from 11 May to tackle the problems caused by anti-social drinking in the centre of St Albans.

Following extensive local consultation, St Albans City and District Council made a Designated Public Place Order under Section 13 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001.

The Order replaces a former by-law prohibiting the drinking of alcohol in the designated No-Alcohol Zone area, and allows for more effective enforcement.

Within the designated area, a police officer or PCSO may require a person not to drink alcohol and to surrender anything that the officer believes to be alcohol or an alcohol container.

Failure to comply is an arrestable offence, for which fines of up to £500 can be imposed by a Magistrates' Court.

The old No-Alcohol Zone signs around the city centre have been replaced with new signs that make clear the consequences of anti-social drinking within the zone.

Councillor Brian Peyton, Portfolio Holder for Community Development, said: "I hope these new powers will have the effect of reducing anti-social drinking in the city centre and will improve the quality of life for residents of St Albans and visitors to our city. This demonstrates once again the close working relationship we have with our colleagues in Hertfordshire Constabulary through the Community Safety Partnership."

The new powers are discretionary and members of the public will not face arrest for going about their normal business, e.g. purchasing alcohol from an off-licence or supermarket to consume at home, or drinking alcohol sensibly within a pub garden.

The order will not apply to:

• Any area which is within the curtilage of any licensed premises;
• Any place where the sale of alcohol has been authorised by virtue of an occasional licence or permission.

For further information please contact Carolyn Ashby, Community Safety Co-ordinator for St Albans City & District Council, on 01727 819305 or email: c.ashby@stalbans.gov.uk.