Police and council outline Shirebrook booze crackdown

The whole of Shirebrook has been covered by an order in an effort to tackle anti-social behaviour related to drinking on the streets.
..
.

Bolsover District Council agreed to introduce the Designated Public Place Order (DPPO) following a spate of complaints relating to the drinking of alcohol including harassment, intimidation, nuisance and annoyance to members of the public.

The order gives the police greater powers to confiscate alcohol from people drinking and behaving irresponsibly.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

These powers do not make it a criminal offence to consume alcohol within a designated area. An offence is committed if the individual refuses to comply with a Police Constable or PCSO’s request to refrain from drinking.

Land and buildings which have permission for sale and/or consumption of alcohol such as pubs, clubs and off-licences will not be subject to the order when they are open to the public.

DPPOs covering smaller areas have been issued before in the market town but, after consulting with the local public, this is the first time an order has been used on this scale in the district.

Cabinet Member for Community Safety, Councillor Brian Murray-Carr, said: “It is important to realise that this order is not a drinking ban. It gives us greater powers to deal with situations involving either individuals or groups and drink, which could then escalate and cause more problems in the community.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

The order, which is not time limited, covers all of Shirebrook and its introduction has been supported by Derbyshire Constabulary and Shirebrook Town Council. DPPO signage has been funded by Bolsover Community Safety Partnership and is displayed in key areas throughout the town and around the perimeter of the area to which the order applies.

Bolsover Section Inspector Frank Burns said: “The new order will provide us with far greater consistency in terms of police enforcement activities. It should reassure the local community that agencies are working effectively in partnership and using available tools and legal powers to address community concerns in respect of alcohol-related crime and disorder and anti-social behaviour.”

Related topics: