No alcohol zone launched in Basildon
A Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) is now in place to help
prevent alcohol fuelled crime and anti-social behaviour in the
Basildon town centre and surrounding areas.
Photo: L-R Pc Colin McCabe, Pc Mike Hillis, Cllr Frank Tomlin and
Ch Insp Glen Pavelin in St Martins Square,
Basildon
Around 70 signs will be put up in the area this month, following
the approval of the DPPO by Basildon Council’s Licensing Committee
last August.
Anyone found drinking alcohol in the town centre and surrounding
areas could be asked to stop, or have the alcohol confiscated.
Failure to comply with the request could result in arrest and a
maximum fine of £500.
And during the first patrol since the DPPO has been in place, an
officer spotted a man drinking a can of cider. The cider was
confiscated and poured away.
Basildon district commander, Chief Insp Glen Pavelin, said: "We
take reports of anti-social drinking very seriously in the town
centre, and have made significant in-roads over the past few months
to address the problem. I am pleased that these additional powers
will give us even more tools to ensure Basildon town is an even
safer and enjoyable place to visit.”
Councillor Frank Tomlin, cabinet member with responsibility for
community safety, added: "DPPOs are an effective way to reduce
crime and anti-social behaviour by tackling those people who drink
irresponsibly and spoil the enjoyment of others using the town.
"These powers are not intended to disrupt peaceful activities as
we are keen to encourage a ‘café culture’ within the town centre,
and will in fact be looking to expand this type of activity through
our major regeneration plans that will improve the town centre,
encourage investment and create jobs for local people.
"However it will help address nuisance or annoyance associated
with the drinking of alcohol.”
During the three month public consultation, the Basildon
Community Safety Partnership funded a dispersal order in the town
as a short term intervention over the summer to address the problem
prior to the DPPO coming into effect.
For more information on the powers of the DPPO and what areas it
covers, please visit www.basildon.gov.uk/dppo.