Ipswich people are being asked for their support for a bid to crack down on drunken behaviour.
The consultation process is now under way to provide police with the power to confiscate alcohol from people who are causing a nuisance. Local support for the new vision will see the implementation of a Designated Public Place Order that will include the whole of the town.
This will not prevent individuals from consuming alcohol but will make it an offence to continue to do so after being told to stop by a police officer. They could end up in court facing a £500 fine.
Councillor Liz Harsant, Leader of Ipswich Borough Council said: "Like many other similar towns and cities, Ipswich has experienced problems with a small but significant minority of people that drink to excess. We intend to call time on drunken behaviour and disorder whether it is in our town centre, in our parks or on our estates. We intend to implement a Borough-wide Designated Public Place Order to ensure residents and visitors feel confident, safe and free to go out and enjoy their time wherever they may choose in Ipswich. This should be so, whatever the time of day."
She added: “Let us also not forget that this is a step in the right direction in helping reduce the considerable adverse health impact associated with heavy drinking. I am looking forward to what the consultation will bring and hope that we have the support of local licensees and businesses."
The consultation process continues until September 14th and is the start of the legal process for implementation of the order. A successful result will be presented to full council in October who will be asked to implement the order. This will allow for its introduction in the traditionally busy disorder periods during the December festivities and New Year’s Eve.
Residents and visitors of Ipswich are invited to make representations on the proposal.
You can comment on any aspect you like but suggested issues you might like to address include:
Do you agree with the proposal?
What do you see as the benefits or drawbacks of this proposal?
What experience, and or, evidence do you have of crime and disorder caused by alcohol in Ipswich?
If you object to this proposal, do you have any suggestions of how to resolve the problem of alcohol related anti-social behaviour?
Responses are requested to be made in writing and sent to the following address before the close of the consultation process on the 14th September. Ipswich Borough Council will consider all representations made before that date.
Tibbs Pinter, Substance Misuse Officer, Ipswich Borough Council, Grafton House, Ipswich
IP1 2DE.