Alcohol ban order takes step forward (From Andover Advertiser)

Alcohol ban order takes step forward

4:00pm Saturday 13th June 2009 in Search Module By Ben Ellery

PROPOSALS to stamp out alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour in Overton have moved a step closer.

An influential borough committee has backed an order that would ban people from drinking outdoors if they have been asked not to by a police officer.

The ban – called a Designated Public Places Order (DPPO) – would affect certain areas in the village. It comes after 31 alcohol related disorder incidents were recorded in Overton in the last three years.

In a report to Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s licensing committee, police said there have been instances of drunks urinating in the road and having to be returned to the care of their family.

The report, compiled by Overton beat officer PC Richard Baldwin, said: “I have been the local community beat officer for Overton for three years and during this time I have seen a rise in street drinking with both local youths and adults.

“While current legislation looks after the children, I can do very little with the adults who continually drink in public and cause annoyance to others.”

Overton parish and borough councillor Ian Tilbury told the committee: “I support the DPPO. The problem has been in Overton for some years now but it was very hard to find evidence.

“We knew that displacement would be a problem and now the Government has woken up to that which is good.”

However, committee member Cllr Gerald Traynor expressed concerns about the proposal. He said: “I feel we need more evidence before we go down this road. We’re perhaps curtailing people’s liberties. We need to look at the problems this could cause.”

The areas that the proposed DPPO would cover are Winchester Street, High Street, Sapley Lane Playing Field, Edward Kersley Playing Field, Oak Tree Park Play Area and Poyntz Road.

PC Baldwin submitted evidence that these were areas where alcohol related incidents took place, or were likely to be places to suffer a displacement of antisocial behaviour if a DPPO was agreed.

Implementing the order would cost the borough council between £1,500 and £3,000 for signs and advertising.

A decision will be made at full council on July 16.