Designated Public Places Orders will be rigorously enforced following a significant increase in street drinking on the Barbican over the recent bank holiday weekend. Over the last few months Plymouth Police have been working with Licensed Premises Supervisors to ensure there is no street drinking in the four DPPO areas of Mutley Plain, North Hill, Union Street and the Barbican with an extensive education programme.
Sergeant Martin Worthington from Plymouth Police Licensing Department stated,
"Since the introduction of the smoking ban, we have been working with licensed premises, educating the public on the legislation in these areas. With increasing numbers of patrons now leaving premises to smoke, we have seen an increase in consumption of alcohol outside in some areas particularly on the Barbican. Having reviewed the position on the August Bank Holiday weekend, it is clear that it is now necessary to step up our enforcement to ensure the Designated Public Places Orders are being complied with.
"No one wants to have their drink confiscated and disposed of. However, unless you are seated within a designated seating area, you cannot consume alcohol in the street in these areas."
From Friday, 14th September police will be stepping up their enforcement of no street drinking on the Barbican and in other Designated areas. The legislation contained within Section 12 of the Criminal Justice and Police Act 2001 prohibits the consumption of alcohol in a designated public place. Police have the power to require a person to stop consuming alcohol and to surrender it to the officer. An offence is committed where a person consumes alcohol after being required by an officer not to do so. Failing to comply with the officer's request could lead to the issuing of a £50 penalty notice.
"We had hoped to enforce the legislation without resorting to confiscation, however it is clear the current strategy is not working in certain areas. We will therefore start seizing drinks from this Friday and all patrons are advised not to take alcohol drinks outside with them, unless they are able to sit within a designated seating area. No one should leave a drink unattended. Patrons wishing to smoke are advised to do so between drinks.
"We do not want any of the businesses to lose custom as a consequence of this change in policy, so have been working hard over the last few months with signs within the premises to ensure that the public is aware of the order. We also want to make new students who are coming to the city for the first time to be aware of this legislation to ensure they do not inadvertently fall foul of it."
Mid Devon Star
See also previous post on this.
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